REVISED  BUILDING 
ORDINANCES 


OF  THE 


CITY  OF  CHICAGO 


Passed  December  5,  1910,  with  Amendments  and 
Additions  up  to  August  1  ,  1913. 


With  an  Index  Thereto 


PRINTED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  CITY  COUNCIL 


Price  25  Cents 


FRANCIS  D.  CONNERY 

CITY  CLERK 

AUGUST,  1913 

=2* 


i-f  f     I 

>\ 


REVISED  BUILDING 
ORDINANCES 


OF  THE 


CITY  OF  CHICAGO 


Passed  December  5,  1910,  with  Amendments  and 
Additions  up  to  August  1,  1913. 


With  an  Index  Thereto 


PRINTED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  CITY  COUNCIL 


Price  25  Cents 


FRANCIS  D.  CONNERY 
CITY  CLERK 

AUGUST,  1913 


*> 


JOHN    F.  HIGGINS 

PRINTER  AND  BINDER 


376-382    MONROE  STREET 
CHICAGO.     ILLINOIS 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS 


PAGE. 

I.     Revised    "Building   Ordinance,'5    passed   December    5,    1910.    as    amended 

prior  to  August  1,  1913 5  to  188 

II.     Ordinance  prescribing  regulations  for  places  of  amusement,  passed  Decem- 
ber 5;   1610 188 

III.  Ordinance  concerning  special  stage  firemen  and  fire  guards  in  theaters 
having  seating  capacity  for  three  hundred  or  more  persons,  passed 
December  5.  1910 190 

IV.     Ordinance  concerning  the  stabling  of  horses,  passed  December  12,  1910.  .    192 
V.     Ordinance  regulating  the  location  of  garages,  passed  July  17,  1911 193 

VI.  Ordinance  restricting  the  noise  of  building  operations  at  night  in  resi- 
dential districts,  passed  November  13,  1911 193 

VII.     Ordinance  providing  that  moving  picture  theaters  shall  be  lighted  during 

performances,  passed  July  22,   1512 194 

VIII.     Ordinance    declaring    theaters    located    above    the    first    floor    levels    of 

certain  classes  of  buildings  to  be  nuisances,  passed  July  22,  1912.  .  .  .    194 

IX.     Index .    199 


267763 


BUILDING    ORDINANCE 


Passed  December  5,  1910;  in  effect  January  9,  1911;  as  amended  by  Sundry  Ordi- 
nances Passed  Subsequently  to  December  5, 1910,  and  prior  to  August  1, 1913. 


(NOTE. — Sections  have  identical  section  numbers  in  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911, 
except  where  otherwise  noted.) 

AN    ORDINANCE 

Relating  to  buildings  within  the  City  of  Chicago. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 

SECTION  1.  That  there  is  hereby  added  to  the  Revised  Municipal  Code  of 
Chicago  of  1905  a  new  Chapter,  to  be  known  as  Chapter  XV,  which  shall  read  as 
follows : 

CHAPTER  XV. 
ARTICLE  I 

BUILDINGS. 

"199.  Department  of  Buildings  Established— Officers.)  There  is  hereby  estab- 
lished an  executive  department  of  the  municipal  government  of  the  City  of  Chi- 
cago which  shall  be  known  as  the  Department  of  Buildings,  and  which  shall  em- 
brace a  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  a  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  an 
Engineer  in  Charge,  a  Building  Inspector  in  Charge,  an  Elevator  Inspector  in 
Charge,  a  Fire  Escape  Inspector  in  Charge,  a  Secretary  to  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  and  such  number  of  Assistant  Engineers  in  Charge,  Assistant  Building 
Inspectors  in  Charge,  Building  Inspectors,  Elevator  Inspectors,  Fire  Escape  In- 
spectors and  such  other  officers,  assistants  and  employes  as  may  be  from  time 
to  time  provided  for  in  the  annual  appropriation  ordinance. 

*200.  Building  Commissioner  —  Office  Created  —  Appointment — Bond.)  (a) 
There  is  hereby  created  the  office  of  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  He  shall  be  the 
head  of  said  Department  of  B'uildings,  and  shall  be  an  experienced  architect,  or  a 
civil,  structural  or  architectural  engineer  or  a  building  contractor  or  an  efficient 
building  mechanic,  and  shall  have  been  engaged  as  an  architect  or  a  civil,  structural 
or  architectural  engineer  or  building  contractor  or  building  mechanic  for  a  period  of 
not  less  than  ten  years  prior  to  his  appointment;  and  during  his  term  of  office  as 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  he  shall  not  be  engaged  in  any  other  business. 

(b)  He  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Mayor,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 
the  City  Council. 

(c)  The   Commissioner  of  Buildings  before  entering  upon   the  duties  of  his 
office  shall  execute  a  bond  to  the  City  in  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  with 
such  sureties  as  the  City  Council  shall  approve,  conditioned  for  the  faithful  perform- 
ance of  his  duties  as  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(d)  There  are  hereby  created  the  offices  of  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings, Engineer  in  Charge,  Building  Inspector  in  Charge,  Elevator  Inspector  in 
Charge,  Fire  Escape  Inspector  in  Charge,  Secretary  to  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings, Assistant  Engineer  in  Charge  and  of  such  number  of  Assistant  Building  In- 
spectors in  Charge,  Building  Inspectors,  Elevator  Inspectors  and  Fire  Escape  In- 
spectors as  may  be  from  time  to  time  provided  for  in  the  annual  appropriation  or- 


*As  amended  May  27,  1912.     See  page  518,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City   Council. 


6  .;/.'/.  ;  ':'*/.          CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

dinance.     The  incumbents  of  these  offices  shall  be  known  and  designated  by  their 
respective  titles  as  herein  set  forth. 

*200%.  Powers — Appointment  of  Subordinates — Duties  of  Commissioner.) 
(a)  He  shall  have  the  management  and  control  of  all  matters  and  things  pertain- 
ing to  the  department  of  buildings,  and  shall  appoint,  and  may  remove  according  to 
law,  all  subordinate  officers  and  assistants  in  his  department.  All  subordinate  offi- 
cers, assistants,  clerks  and  employes  in  said  department  shall  be  subject  to  such  rules 
and  regulations  as  shall  be  prescribed  from  time  to  time  by  said  commissioner. 

(b)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings   shall  institute  such  measures  and  pre- 
scribe such  rules  'and  regulations  for  the  control  and  guidance  of  his  subordinate 
officers  and  employes  as  shall  secure  the  careful  inspection  of  all  buildings  while  in 
process  of  construction,  alteration,  repair  or  removal  and  the  strict  enforcement  of 
the  several  provisions  of  this  chapter. 

(c)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  commissioner  and  his  assistants  to  enforce  all 
ordinances  relating  to  the  erection,  construction,  alteration,  repair,  removal  or  the 
safety  of  buildings. 

(d)  In  all  cases  where  any  action  is  taken  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
to  enforce  the  provisions  of  any  of  the  sections  contained  in  this  chapter  or  to  en- 
force the  provisions  of  any  of  the  building  ordinances  of  the  city  now  or  at  any 
time  hereafter  in  force,  whether  such  action  is  taken  in  pursuance  of  the  express 
provisions  of  such   sections  or  ordinances  or  in  a  case  where  discretionary  power 
is  given  by  the  ordinances  of  said  city  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  such  acts 
shall  be  done  in  the  name  of  and  on  behalf  of  the  City  of  Chicago,  and  the  said 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  in  so  acting  for  the  city  shall  not  render  himself  liable 
personally,  and  he  is  hereby  relieved  from  all  personal  liability,  for  any  damage 
that  may  accrue  to  persons  or  property  as  a  result  of  any  such  act  permitted  in  good 
faith  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  and  any  suit  brought  against  the  said  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  by  reason  thereof  shall  be  defended  by  the  Department  of 
Law  of. said  city  until  the  final  termination  of  the  proceedings  therein. 

201.  Inspection  of  all  Buildings  in  General  Use — Precautions  in  Behalf 
of  Public  Safety— May  Require  Repair  or  Alteration  in  Such  Cases— Interpretation 
of  this  Chapter.)  (a)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  inspect  or  cause  to  be 
inspected  all  public  school  buildings,  public  halls,  churches,  theaters,  buildings  used 
either  for  manufacturing  or  commercial  purposes,  hotels,  apartment  houses  and  other 
buildings  or  structures  occupied  or  frequented  by  large  numbers  of  people,  for  the 
purpose  of  determining  the  safety  of  such  buildings,  or  any  parts  or  appliances  or 
equipment  thereof;  the  sufficiency  of  their  doors,  passageways,  aisles,  stairways,  cor- 
ridors, exits  or  fire  escapes  and  generally  their  facilities  for  egress  in  case  of  fire  or 
other  accidents,  and  the  strength  of  their  floors,  and  he  shall  make  return  of  all  vio- 
lations of  the  several  provisions  of  this  chapter  to  the  Law  Department  for  prosecu- 
tion. 

(b)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  when  any  citizen 
represents  that  combustible  materials  are  kept  in  any  place  in  the  city  in  an  insecure 
manner,  or  that  the  doors,  stairways,  corridors,  exits  or  fire  escapes  in  any  factory 
or  workshop  or  other  place  of  employment  are  insufficient  for  the  escape  of  employes 
in  case  of  fire,  panic  or  accident,  or  do  not  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  Chap- 
ter; or  that  the  funnels,  flues,  fireboxes,  or  heating  apparatus  in  any  building  in 

*As  amended  December  18,  1911.  See  page  2089,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  7 

the  city  are  insecure  or  dangerous,  or  that  any  part  of  any  building  in  the  city  is 
in  an  unsafe  or  dangerous  condition  or  in  any  wise  in  contravention  of  this  Chapter, 
to  make  an  examination  of  such  place  or  building,  and  if  such  representation  is 
found  to  be  true,  said  Commissioner  shall  give  notice  in  writing  to  the  owner,  occu- 
pant, lessee,  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  such  place  or  building  to 
make  such  changes,  alterations  or  repairs  as  safety  or  the  ordinance  of  the  City 
may  require.  Upon  failure  of  parties  so  notified  to  comply  with  said  notice  the  mat- 
ter shall  be  placed  in  the  'Law  Department  for  prosecution. 

(c)  It  shall  be  unlawful  to  continue  the  use  of  such  building  until  the  changes, 
alterations  or  repairs  found  necessary  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  make 
such  building  or  part  thereof  safe  or  to  bring  it  into  compliance  with  this  Chapter, 
shall  have  been  made. 

(d)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  have  full  power  to  pass  upon  any 
question  arising  under  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  subject  to  the  conditions,  modi- 
fications, and  limitations  contained  therein. 

202.  Buildings  Found  in  Unsafe  Condition — Notice  to  Owner — Authority  of 
Commissioner.)  (a)  Whenever  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  find  any 
building,  or  structure  or  part  thereof  in  the  city  in  such  an  unsafe  condition  as  to 
endanger  life,  but  in  such  condition  that  by  the  immediate  application  of  precau- 
tionary measures  such  danger  may  be  averted,  he  shall  have  authority,  and  it  shall 
be  his  duty,  to  forthwith  notify,  in  writing,  the  owner,  agent  or  person  in  possession, 
charge  or  control  of  such  building  or  structure  or  part  thereof,  to  adopt  and  put  into 
effect  such  precautionary  measures  as  may  be  necessary  or  advisable  in  order  to 
place  such  building  or  structure  or  part  thereof  in  a  safe  condition;  such  notice 
shall  state  briefly  the  nature  of  the  work  required  to  be  done  and  shall  specify  the 
time  within  which  the  work  required  to  be  done  shall  be  completed  by  the  person, 
firm  or  corporation  notified,  which  shall  be  fixed  by  said  Commissioner  of  Buildings, 
upon  taking  into  consideration  the  condition  of  such  building  or  structure  or  part 
thereof,  and  the  danger  to  life  or  property  which  may  result  from  its  unsafe  condi- 
tion. 

(b)  Whenever  such  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  be  unable  to  find  the 
owner  of  such  building,  structure  or  part  thereof,  or  any  agent  or  person  in  posses- 
sion, charge  or  control  thereof,  upon  whom  such  notice  may  be  served,  he  shall 
address,  stamp  and  mail  such  notice  to  such  person  or  persons  at  their  last  known 
address,  and  in  addition  thereto  shall  place  or  cause  to  be  placed  the  notice  herein 
provided  for  upon  such  building  at  or  near  its  principal  entrance,  and  shall  also  post 
or  cause  to  be  posted  in  a  conspicuous  place  at  each  entrance  to  such  building,  in 
large  letters,  a  notice  as  follows : 


"THIS  BUILDING  IS  IN  A  DANGEROUS  CONDITION  AND  HAS 
BEEN  CONDEMNED  BY  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  BUILDINGS." 


(c)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  remove  said 
notice  or  notices  without  written  permission  from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(d)  If  at  the  expiration  of  the  time  specified  in  such  notice  for  the  completion 
of  the  work  required  to  be  done  by  the  terms  of  such  notice,  in  order  to  render  the 
building  or  structure  safe,  said  notice  shall  not  have  been  complied  with,  and  said 
building  or  structure  is  in  such  an  unsafe  condition  as  to  endanger  life  or  property, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  proceed  forthwith  to  tear 
down  or  destroy  that  part  of  said  building  or  structure  that  is  in  such  unsafe  condi- 


8  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

tion  as  to  endanger  life  or  property,  and  in  cases  where  an  unsafe  building  or  struc- 
ture cannot  be  repaired  or  rendered  safe  by  the  application  of  precautionary  meas- 
ures, such  building  or  structure,  or  the  dangerous  parts  thereof,  shall  be  torn  down 
Dy  said  Commissioner  of  Buildings  or  by  his  order  and  the  expense  of  tearing  down 
any  part  of  such  building  or  structure  shall  be  charged  to  the  person  owning  or  in 
possession,  charge  or  control  of  such  building  or  structure  or  part  thereof,  and  the 
said  commissioner  shall  recover  or  cause  to  be  recovered  from  such  owner  or  person 
in  possession,  charge  or  control  thereof  the  cost  of  doing  such  work,  by  legal  pro- 
ceedings prosecuted  by  the  Law  Department. 

(e)  If  the  owner,  agent  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  such  build- 
ing or  structure,  or  part  thereof,  when  so  notified,  shall  fail,  neglect  or  refuse  to 
place  such  building  or  structure,  or  part  thereof,  in  a  safe  condition  and  to  adopt 
such  precautionary  measures  as  shall  have  been  specified  by  said  commissioner  within 
the  time  specified  in  such  notice,  in  such  case,  at  the  expiration  of  such  time,  it  shall 
be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  occupy  or  use  said  building  or 
structure,  or  any  part  thereof,  until  said  building  or  structure  or  part  thereof  is 
placed  in  a  safe  condition ;  and  in  case  where  a  building  or  structure,  or  part  thereof, 
is  in  a  dangerous  or  unsafe  condition  and  has  not  been  placed  in  a  safe  condition 
within  the  time  specified  in  the  notice  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  such  build- 
ing or  structure,  or  such  part  thereof,  shall  be  forthwith  vacated,  and  it  shall  be 
unlawful  for  any  person  or  persons  to  enter  same  except  for  the  purpose  of  making 
repairs  required  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of 
Chicago. 

203.  Building  or  Part  of  Building  Constructed  or  being  Constructed  in  Violation 
of  Chapter — Authority  of  Commissioner  to  Tear  Down.)     (a)   Whenever  it  shall  be 
found  that  any  building  or  structure,  or  part  thereof,  is  being,  or  shall  have  been 
constructed  or  built  in  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  shall  forthwith  notify  the  owner,  agent,   superintendent  or 
architect  of,  or  the  contractor  engaged  in  erecting  such  building  or  structure,  or 
part  thereof,  of  the  fact  that  such  building  or  structure,  or  part  thereof,  has  been,  or 
is  being,  constructed  or  erected  contrary  to  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  and  shall 
specify  briefly  in  such  notice  in  what  manner  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  or  any  of 
them,  have  been  violated,  and  shall  require  the  person  so  notified  to  forthwith  make 
such  building,  structure,  or  part  thereof,  conform  to  and  comply  with  the  provisions 
of  this  chapter,  specifying  in  such  notice  the  time  within  which  such  work  shall  be 
done. 

(b)  If,  at  the  expiration  of  the  time  set  forth  in  such  notice,  the  person  so 
notified  shall  have  refused,  neglected  or  failed  to  comply  with  the  request  made  in 
such  notice  and  to  have  such  building  or  structure,  or  part  thereof,  concerning  which 
notice  was  sent,  changed  so  as  to  conform  to  and  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this 
chapter,  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  have  the  authority,  and  it  shall  be  his 
duty  to  proceed  forthwith,  to  tear  down  or  cause  to  be  torn  down  such  building  or 
structure,  or  such  part  thereof  as  shall  or  may  have  been  erected  and  constructed  in 
violation  of  the  provisions  or  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  and  the  cost  of 
such  work  shall  be  charged  to  and  recovered  from  the  owner  of  such  building  or 
structure  or  from  the  person  for  whom  such  building  or  structure  is  being  erected,  in 
legal  proceedings  prosecuted  by  the  Law  Department. 

204.  May  Direct  Fire  Department  to  Remove.)     The  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings shall  have  authority  to  direct  the  Fire  Marshal  to  tear  down  any  defective  or 
dangerous  wall  or  structure  or  any  building  or  structure  or  part  thereof  which  may 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  9 

be  constructed  in  violation  of  the  terms  of  this  chapter,  after  written  notice  has  been 
served  upon  the  owner,  lessee,  occupant,  agent  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  con- 
trol, directing  him  or  them  to  tear  down  or  remove  any  defective  wall,  building  or 
structure,  or  any  part  thereof,  which  is  in  a  dangerous  condition,  which  has  been,  or 
is  being,  constructed  or  maintained  in  violation  of  the  terms  of  this  chapter.  In  case 
of  the  destruction  or  partial  destruction  of  buildings  by  fire,  decay  or  otherwise, 
when  any  department  of  the  city  government,  pursuant  to  the  ordinances  of  the  city, 
shall  make  an  outlay  of  money  or  incur  any  liability  for  the  payment  of  any  expense 
on  behalf  of  the  city  in  an  effort  to  preserve  or  prevent  the  destruction  of  such  build- 
ing or  buildings,  or  structure,  or  for  the  preservation  of  life  of  its  citizens,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  such  outlay 
or  expenditure  and  present  a  bill  therefor  to  the  owner  or  owners  of  any  such  build- 
ing or  buildings,  or  its  or  their  agent  or  agents,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  to  refuse  to  issue  a  permit  for  the  construction,  reconstruc- 
tion, alteration  or  repair  of  any  building  or  buildings  or  structure  by  any  such  owner 
or  owners,  lessee,  occupant,  agent  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control  thereof 
until  such  outlay  or  expenditure  shall  be  repaid  to  the  city  by  the  owner,  lessee,  occu- 
pant, agent  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  such  building  or  buildings 
thus  totally  or  partially  destroyed  in  the  manner  aforesaid.  Said  commissioner  shall 
also  proceed  forthwith  to  collect  the  amount  of  such  bill  from  such  owner  or  owners, 
by  legal  proceedings  prosecuted  by  the  Law  Department. 

205.  May  Stop  Construction  and  Wrecking  of  Buildings.)  (a)  Said  Com- 
missioner shall  have  power  to  stop  the  construction  of  any  building  or  the  making  of 
any  alterations  or  repairs  of  any  building  within  said  city  when  the  same  is  being 
done  in  a  reckless  or  careless  manner  or  in  violation  of  any  ordinance,  and  to  order, 
in  writing  or  by  parole,  any  and  all  persons  in  any  way  or  manner  whatever  engaged 
in  so  constructing,  altering  or  repairing  any  such  building,  to  stop  and  desist  there- 
from. 

(b)  And  the  said  commissioner  shall  have  power  to  stop  the  wrecking  or  tear- 
ing down  of  any  building  or  structure  within  said  city  when  the  same  is  being  done 
in  a  reckless  or  careless  manner  or  in  violation  of  any  ordinance  or  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  endanger  life  or  property,  and  to  order  any  and  all  persons  engaged  in  said 
work  to  stop  and  desist  therefrom.  When  such  work  has  been  stopped  by  the  order  of 
said  commissioner,  it  shall  not  be  resumed  until  said  commissioner  shall  be  satisfied 
that  adequate  precautions  will  be  taken  for  the  protection  of  life  and  property,  and 
that  said  work  will  be  prosecuted  carefully  and  in  conformity  with  the  ordinances  of 
the  city. 

206.  Arbitration— Appeal  from  Decision.)  (a)  In  all  cases  where  discre- 
tionary power  is  given  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  estimate  damage  to 
buildings,  as  also  in  questions  relating  to  the  security  of  any  building  or  buildings  or 
structures,  or  part  thereof,  and  in  all  other  cases  where  discretionary  powers  are 
given  by  ordinance  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  any  party  or  parties  believing 
themselves  injured  or  wronged  by  the  decision  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
must,  before  instituting  any  suit,  make  an  appeal  for  arbitration  as  follows, 
to-wit : 

(b)  Any  person  wishing  to  make  an  appeal  shall  do  so  within  five  days  after 
written  notice  of  the  decision  or  order  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  has  been 
given.  An  appeal  made  later  than  five  days  after  the  serving  of  the  notice  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  not  entitle  the  appellant  to  any  arbitration.  The 
request  for  arbitration  shall  be  in  writing  and  shall  state  the  object  of  the  proposed 


10  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

arbitration  and  the  name  of  the  person  who  is  to  represent  the  appellant  as  arbi* 
trator. 

(c)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  thereupon  inform  the  appellant  of 
the  cost  of  such  arbitration  and  such  appellant  shall,  within  twenty-four  hours  from 
the  receipt  of  such  information,  deposit  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  the  sum 
of  money  requested  for  defraying  the  expense  of  the  same,  which  sum  shall  be  fixed 
in  each  case  by  said  commissioner  in  proportion  to  the  time  it  will  take  and  the 
difficulty  and  importance  of  the  case,  but  shall  in  no  case  be  more  than  the  cost  of 
similar  service  in  the  course  of  ordinary  business  of  private  individuals  or  corpora- 
tions. As  soon  as  such  sum  of  money  shall  have  been  deposited  with  him,  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  shall  appoint  an  arbitrator  to  represent  the  city  and  the  two 
arbitrators  thus  chosen  shall,  if  they  cannot  agree,  select  a  third  arbitrator,  and  the 
decision  of  any  two  of  these  arbitrators  shall,  after  investigation  and  consideration 
of  the  matter  in  question,  be  final  and  binding  upon  the  appellant  as  well  as  the  city 
unless  an  appeal  is  taken  therefrom,  as  provided  in  case  of  an  appeal  under  a  statu- 
tory arbitration,  within  five  days  thereafter. 

207.  Arbitrators  to  Take  Oath — Power  to  Examine  Witnesses.)      The  arbitra- 
tors shall  themselves,  before  entering  upon  the  discharge  of  their  duties,  be  placed 
under  oath  by  the  City  Clerk,  to  the  effect  that  they  are  unprejudiced  as  to  the  mat- 
ter in  question  and  that  they  will  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of  their  position. 
They  shall  have  the  power  to  call  witnesses  and  place  them  under  oath,  and  their 
decision  or  award  shall  be  rendered  in  writing,  both  to  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings and  to  the  appellant.  The  fee  deposited  by  the  appellant  with  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings  shall  be  paid  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  the  arbitrators  upon 
the  rendering  of  their  report  and  shall  be  in  full  of  all  costs  incident  to  the  arbitra- 
tion; but  should  the  decision  of  said  board  of  arbitration  be  rendered  against  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  then  the  money  deposited  by  the  aforesaid  appellant  shall 
be  returned  to  him  and  the  entire  cost  of  such  arbitration  shall  be  paid  by  the  city. 

208.  In  Urgent  Cases — Commissioner's  Power  Final.)     Whenever  the  decision 
of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  upon  the  safety  of  any  building  or  any  part  thereof 
is  made  in  a  case  which  is  so  urgent  that  failure  to  properly  carry  out  his  orders  to 
demolish  or  strengthen  such  building  or  ptirt  thereof  may  endanger  life  and  limb, 
the  decision  and  order  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  be  absolute  and  final. 

209.  Duty  of  Police  to  Assist  Commissioner  in  Enforcing  Provisions  of  this 
Chapter.)     Whenever  it  shall  be  necessary,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  to  call  upon  the  Department  of  Police  for  aid  or  assistance  in  carrying 
out  or  enforcing  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  he  shall  have  the  authority  so 
to  do,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Department  of  Police,  or  of  any  member  of  said 
department,  when  called  upon  by  said  commissioner,  to  act  according  to  the  instruc- 
tions of,  and  to  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  required  by  said  commissioner  in 
order  to  enforce  or  put  into  effect  the  provisions  of  this  chapter. 

210.  Certificates — Notices — Register.)       (a)      The  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
shall  sign  or  cause  to  be  signed  all  certificates  and  notices  required  to  be  issued  from 
the  Department  of  Buildings  and  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  same,  and  shall  issue  or 
cause  to  be  issued  all  permits  authorized  by  this  chapter. 

(b)  He  shall  also  keep  a  proper  record  of  all  transactions  and  operations  of 
the  department  and  such  record  shall  be  at  all  times  open  to  the  inspection  of  the 
Mayor,  Comptroller,  Superintendent  of  Police,  Fire  Marshal  and  members  of  the  City 
Council. 

211.  Must  Keep  Account  of  Fees  Paid— Annual  Reports  and  Estimates.)      (a) 
Said  commissioner  shall  keep  in  proper  books  for  that  purpose  an  accurate  account 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  11 

of  all  fees  charged,  giving  the  name  of  person  to  whom  same  is  charged,  date  on 
which  said  charge  is  made,  and  the  amount  of  each  such  fee. 

(b)  He  shall  also,  annually,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  February  in  each  year 
prepare  and  present  to  the  City  Council  a  report  showing  the  receipts  and  expendi- 
tures and  entire  work  of  the  Department  of  Buildings  during  the  previous  fiscal  year 
and  he  shall  on  or  before  November  first  of  each  year  prepare  and  submit  to  the 
Comptroller  an  estimate  of  the  whole  cost  and  expense  of  providing  for  and  main- 
taining his  office  during  the  ensuing  fiscal  year. 

212.  Examination  and  Approval  of  Plans — Record  of  Inspections  and  Com- 
plaints.) The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  his  assistants  shall  pass 
upon  all  questions  relating  to  the  strength  and  durability  of  buildings  or  structures ; 
shall  examine  and  approve  all  plans  before  a  permit  is  issued  for  the  construction  of 
any  building  or  structure.  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  cause  to  be  kept  a 
complete  record  showing  the  location  and  character  of  every  building  or  other  struc- 
ture for  which  a  permit  is  issued  and  shall  cause  to  be  filed  every  report  of  inspec- 
tion made  on  such  building,  which  reports  shall  bear  the  signatures  of  the  inspectors 
making  such  inspections.  He  shall  cause  to  be  kept  a  record  of  all  complaints  of 
violations  of  the  building  laws  and  shall  cause  all  such  complaints  to  be  investigated. 

*213.  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Buildings— Duty.)  (a)  There  is  hereby 
created  the  office  of  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  He  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  according  to  law.  The  person  certified  to  fill  this 
office  shall  be  either  a  civil,  structural  or  architectural  engineer  or  an  architect,  an 
experienced  building  contractor  or  an  efficient  building  mechanic  with  at  least  five 
years'  experience  and  training. 

(b)  The  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  act  as  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings in  the  absence  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  from  his  office  and  while  so 
acting  shall  discharge  all  the  duties  and  possess  all  the  powers  imposed  upon  or 
vested  in  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(c)  The  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  have  general  control  of  all  matters  and  things  pertaining 
to  the  work  of  the  Department  of  Buildings  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as 
may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

214.  Engineer  in  Charge— Duties.)  (a)  There  is  hereby  created  the  office 
of  Engineer  in  Charge,  of  the  Department  of  Buildings.  He  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  according  to  law.  The  person  certified  to  fill  this  posi- 
tion shall  be  a  civil,  structural,  or  architectural  engineer  of  at  least  five  years' 
experience  and  training. 

(b)  The  Engineer  in  Charge  shall  be  in  immediate  charge  of  the  engineering 
work  and  staff  of  the  Department  of  Buildings.  The  examination  of  plans  submitted 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  a  permit,  except  as  to  matters  elsewhere  expressly  as- 
signed by  law  to  some  other  department  of  the  city  government,  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Engineer  in  Charge  and  the  engineering  staff  under  his  charge.  The  approval  and 
stamp  of  the  Engineer  in  Charge  shall  be  required  on  the  plans  for  the  erection, 
enlargement,  alteration,  repair  or  removal  of  every  building  before  a  permit  for  such 
erection,  enlargement,  alteration,  repair  or  removal  shall  be  issued.  The  Engineer 
in  Charge  shall  have  charge  of  all  tests  of  materials  and  systems  of  construction  sub- 
mitted for  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  The  Engineer  in  Charge 

*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3989,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


12  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

shall  pass  upon  the  number,  location,  width  and  design  of  all  fire  escapes  required  for 
new  buildings,  and  he  shall  also  pass  upon  the  number,  location,  width  and  design  of  fire 
escapes  to  be  erected  on  existing  buildings  wherever  such  existing  buildings  are  being 
enlarged,  altered,  or  remodeled  under  a  building  permit  issued  for  such  enlargement, 
alteration  or  remodeling.  He  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  of 
him  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

215.  Assistant  Engineer  in  Charge — Duties.)      (a)     There  is  hereby  created, 
the  office  of  Assistant  Engineer  in  Charge,  of  the  Department  of  Buildings.    He  shall 
be  appointed  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  according  to  law.    The  person  certi- 
fied to  fill  this  position  shall  be  a  civil,  structural  or  architectural  engineer  of  at 
least  five  years'  experience  and  training. 

(b)  In  the  absence  of  the  Engineer  in  Charge,  the  Assistant  Engineer  in  Charge 
shall  act  as  Engineer  in  Charge.  The  Assistant  Engineer  in  Charge  shall  perform 
such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Engineer  in  Charge. 

216.  Engineering  Staff.)      (a)     The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  appoint 
according  to  law  at  least  four  Architectural  Engineers,  and  such  other  engineers  and 
assistants  as,the  'City  Council  may  by  ordinance  provide,  for  service  on  the  engineer- 
ing staff  of  the  Department  of  Buildings.     Every  person  certified  to  fill  the  position 
of  Architectural  Engineer  shall  be  a  civil,  structural  or  architectural  engineer  of  at 
least  five  years'  training  and  experience. 

(b)  The  Architectural  Engineers  shall,  under  the  direction  of  the  Engineer  in 
Charge,  examine  all  plans  submitted  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  a  permit.  They 
shall  also  examine  and  verify  the  figures  on  all  floor  load  placards  before  such  pla- 
cards are  approved  for  posting.  They  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be 
required  of  them  by  the  Engineer  in  Charge. 

217.  Building   Inspector   in  Charge — Duties.)      (a)      The   office   of   Assistant 
Deputy  Commissioner  of  B'uildings  is  hereby  abolished  and  in  lieu  thereof  there  i? 
hereby  created  the  office  of  Building  Inspector  in  Charge  of  the  Department  of  Build- 
ings.    He  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  accordino-  to  law. 
The  person  certified  to  fill  this  position  shall  be  a  civil,  structural,  architectural  or 
fire  protection  engineer,  or  an  architect,  or  a  building  superintendent  or  a  building 
mechanic  with  at  least  five  years'  experience  in  general  building  construction. 

(b)  In  the  absence  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  the  Deputy  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  from  their  offices,  the  Building  Inspector  in  Charge  shall  act  as 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and  while  so  acting  he  shall  discharge  all  of  the  duties 
and  possess  all  of  the  powers  imposed  upon  or  vested  in  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings. 

(c)  He  shall  have  immediate  charge  of  the  periodical  inspection  of  buildings 
and  of  the  inspection  of  buildings  and  structures  being  erected,  enlarged,  altered  or 
repaired,  excepting  only  such  inspection  as  is  expressly  assigned  to  the  elevator  or 
fire  escape  inspectors  or  is  by  law  assigned  to  some  other  department  of  the  citv 
government. 

218.  Assistant  Building  Inspectors  in  Charge.)  (a)  The  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  shall  appoint,  according  to  law,  at  least  four  Assistant  Buildin<r  Inspec- 
tors in  Charge. 

(b)  Every  person  certified  to  fill  the  position  of  Assistant  Building  Inspector 
in  Charge  shall  be  a  civil,  structural,  architectural  or  fire  protection  engineer,  or 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  13 

an  architect,  or  a  building  superintendent  or  a  building  mechanic,  with  at  least  five 
y<.  nrs  experience  in  general  building  construction.  The  Assistant  Building  Inspectors 
in  Charge  shall  have  immediate  charge  of  the  several  districts  assigned  to  them  by 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  shall  require  of  them. 

219.  Building  Inspectors.)  (a)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  ap- 
point according  to  law  such  Building  Inspectors  as  may  be  necessary. 

(b)  Every  person  certified  to  fill  the  position  of  Building  Inspector  shall  be 
a  civil,  structural,  architectural  or  fire  protection  engineer,  or  an  architect,  or  a 
building  superintendent  or  a  building  mechanic  with  at  least  five  years  experience  in 
general  building  construction.    The  Building  Inspectors  shall,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Building  Inspector  in  Charge,  examine  all  buildings  and  structures  in  the  course 
of  erection,  enlargement,  alteration,  repair  or  removal,  as  often  as  is  required  for 
efficient  supervision,  and  shall  make  such  periodical  examinations  of  existing  struc- 
tures as  shall  be  assigned  to  them.    They  shall  examine  all  buildings,  structures 
and  walls  reported  to  be  in  dangerous  condition.     They  shall  examine  all  buildings 
and   other    structures   for    the   enlarging,   altering,    raising   or   removing  of    which, 
application  for  permit  shall  be  made. 

(c)  Every  building  inspector   shall  make  written  reports  daily  to  the   Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  as  to  the  condition  in  which  he  found  each  building  examined 
and  as  to  violations,  if  any,  of  the  ordinances  which  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
is  required  to  enforce,  together  with  the  street  and  number  of  the  premises  where 
such  violations,  if  any,  were   found,  the  names  of  the  owner,  agent,  lessee   and 
occupant  thereof,  and  of  the  architect  and  the  contractor  engaged  in  and  about  the 
work  in  question.    The  Building  Inspectors  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may 
be  required  of  them  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

220  Elevator  Inspector  in  Charge.)  (a)  There  is  hereby  created  the  office 
of  Elevator  Inspector  in  Charge.  He  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  according  to  law. 

(b)  The  person  certified  to  fill  the  position  of  Elevator  Inspector  in  Charge, 
shall   be   a   graduate   in    engineering   from   a   recognized   technical    school,   shall   be 
versed  in  the  essentials  of  both  mechanical  and  electrical  engineering  and  shall 
have  had  at  least  five  years  experience  in  shop  or  construction  work. 

(c)  The   Elevator  Inspector   in  Charge   shall   examine   all  plans   for  installa- 
tion of  elevators  and  for  the  installation  of  mechanical  devices  and  apparatus  in 
theatres,  amusement  parks  and  the  like,  and,  no  such  elevator,  mechanical  device 
or  apparatus  shall  be  installed  or  operated  without  the  approval  of  the  Elevator 
Inspector  in  Charge.    The  Elevator  Inspector  in  Charge  shall  cause  such  inspection 
to  be  made  of  all  new  installations,  as  may  be  necessary  to  insure  the  carrying 
out  of  the  approved  plans   and  shall   cause  such  periodic  inspection  to  be  made 
of  existing  installations   of  such   mechanisms,   devices  and  apparatus,  as  may  be 
required  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as 
may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

221.  Elevator  Inspectors.)  (a)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  appoint 
according  to  law  such  Elevator  Inspectors  ag  may  be  necessary. 

(b)  Every  person  certified  to  fill  the  position  of  Elevator  Inspector  shall  be 
a  mechanical  engineer,  machinist  or  elevator  builder,  and  shall  be  well  grounded  in 
the  rudiments  of  mechanical  and  electrical  engineering. 


14  CITY   OF    CHICAGO. 

(c)  The  Elevator  Inspectors  shall  inspect  all  elevators  and  such  other  me- 
chanisms, devices  and  apparatus  as  shall  be  assigned  to  them  by  the  Inspector  in 
Charge,  both  existing  and  in  process  of  being  erected  or  installed,  together  with  all 
the  equipment  and  enclosures  thereof.  They  shall  make  written  reports  daily  to 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  as  to  the  condition  in  which  they  find  the  elevators, 
equipment,  "enclosures,  mechanisms,  devices  and  apparatus  inspected  by  them,  and 
of  any  violations  of  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter  pertaining  to  such  matters, 
together  with  the  street  and  number  of  the  premises  where  such  violations,  if  any, 
occur,  the  names  of  the  owner,  agent,  lessee  and  occupant  thereof,  and  of  the 
architect  and  contractor  engaged  in  or  about  the  construction  and  installation  of 
such  elevators,  equipment,  enclosures,  mechanisms,  devices  or  apparatus.  They 
shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  of  them  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings. 

222.  Fire-escape  Inspector   in   Charge.)      (a)      There    is   hereby    created   the 
office  of  Fire-escape  Inspector  in  Charge.    He  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings  according  to  law. 

(b)  The  person  certified  to  fill  the  position  of  Fire-escape  Inspector  in  Charge 
shall  be  a  civil,  structural  or  architectural  engineer,  or  a  man  who  has  had  not  less 
than  five  years'  experience  in  the  design  and  erection  of  structural  steel  or  in  the 
design  and  construction  of  fire-escapes,  and  he  shall  be  qualified  to  make  all  necessary 
computations  as  to  the  strength  of  any  fire-escape,  the  design  of  which  may  be  sub- 
mitted for  approval  and  to  pass  upon  the  relative  merits  of  such  various  types  of  de- 
sign as  may  be  so  submitted. 

(c)  The  Fire-escape  Inspector  in  Charge  shall  have  immediate  charge  of  the 
inspection  of  the  erection  of  all  fire-escapes  and  of  the  periodic  inspection  of  fire- 
escapes,  and  shall  pass  upon  the  number,  location,  width  and  design  of  fire-escapes  to 
be  erected  upon  existing  buildings,  except  where  an  existing  building  is  being  en- 
larged, altered  or  remodeled  under  a  building  permit  issued  for  such  enlargement, 
alteration  or  remodeling,  in  which  case  the  Engineer  in  Charge  shall  pass  upon  the 
number,  location,  width  and  design  of  all  fire-escapes  required,  and  the  Engineer  in 
Charge  shall  also  pass  upon  the  number,  location,  width  <and  design  of  all  fire-escapes 
required  for  new  buildings.    The  Fire-escape  Inspector  in  Charge  Shall  also  perform 
such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

223.  Fire-escape  Inspectors.)     (a)     The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  ap- 
point according  to  law  such  Fire-escape  Inspectors  as  may  be  necessary. 

(b)  Every  person  certified  to  fill  the  position  of  Fire-escape  Inspector  shall  be 
a  person  who  has  had  at  least  four  years'  experience  in  superintending  the  erection 
of  buildings,  or  in  the  design  or  erection  of  fire-escapes  or  other  steel  construction,  or 
who  is  a  graduate  of  a  recognized  technical  school. 

(c)  The   Fire-escape  Inspectors  shall,  under  the  direction  of  the  Fire-escape 
Inspector  in  Charge,  inspect  all  fire-escapes  in  course  of  erection  and  shall  make  peri- 
odic inspection  of  the  fire-escape  equipment  of  existing  buildings.  Every  such  inspec- 
tor shall  make,  daily,  a  written  report  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  as  to  the 
condition  of  the  fire-escape  equipment  of  each  building  or  premises  examined,  as  to 
the  accessibility  of  and  means  of  egress  to  such  equipment,  as  to  the  presumptive 
adequacy  of  such  equipment,  and  as  to  any  violations  of  any  city  ordinance  in  rela- 
tion to  such  equipment,  together  with  the  street  and  number  of  the  building  or  prem- 
ises inspected,  the  names  of  the  owner,  agent,  lessee,  and  occupant  thereof  and  of  the 
architect  and  contractor,  if  any,  engaged  in  operation  in  connection  with  such  equip- 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  15 

^- 

ment.    The  Fire-escape  Inspectors  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required 
of  them  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

224.  Secretary — Duties.)     (a)     There  is  hereby  created  the  office  of  Secretary 
to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.     He  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  according  to  law. 

~[b)  The  Secretary  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall,  under  the  super- 
vision and  direction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  preserve  and  keep  all  books, 
records  nnd  papers  belonging  to  the  office  of  the  Department  of  Buildings  or  which 
are  required  by  law  to  be  filed  therein.  He  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may 
be  required  of  him  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

225.  Clerical    Assistants.)      The    Commissioner    of    Buildings    shall    appoint 
according  to  law.  such  clerical  assistants,  stenographers  and  messengers  as  may  be 
necessary;   and  they  shall  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  required  of  them  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

226.  Bonds.)    The  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  the  Engineer  in  Charge, 
the  Assistant  Engineer  in  Charge,  the  Building  Inspector  in  Charge,  the  Assistant 
Building  Inspectors  in  Charge,  the  Elevator  Inspector  in  Charge,  the  Fire-escape 
Inspector  in  Charge  and  the  Architectural  Engineers  shall,  before  entering  upon  the 
duties  of  their  offices  or  positions,  each  execute  to  the  City  of  Chicago  a  bond,  condi- 
tioned for  the  faithful  performance  of  their  duties,  with  such  sureties  as  the  City 
Council  shall  approve  in  the  following  sums:     The  Deputy  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings, ten  thousand  dollars:  the  Engineer  in  Charge,  the  Assistant  Engineer  in  Charge, 
the  Building  Inspector  in  Charge,  the  Assistant  Building  Inspectors  in  Charge,  the 
Elevator  Inspector  in  Charge,  the  Fire-escape  Inspector  in  Charge,  and  the  Archi- 
tectural Engineers,  five  thousand  dollars  each. 

227.  Employees  Not  to  Engage  in  Another  Business.)     Every  employee  in 

the  Department  of  Buildings  shall  devote  his  entire  time  to  such  employment  and 
shall  not  be  engaged  in  any  other  business  or  vocation. 

228.  Power   of   Entry.)      The   Commissioner  of   Buildings   and   his    Assistants 
are  empowered  to  enter  any  building  or  structure  or  premises,,  whether  completed  or 
in  process  of  erection,  for  the  purpose  of  determining  whether  the  same  has  been  or  is 
being  constructed  and  maintained  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter 
and  it  shall  be  unlawful  to  exclude  them  from  any  such  building,  structure  or  prem- 


ARTICLE  n. 

229.  Permits— When  Required— Limitations  of  Time  For.)  Before  proceeding 
with  the  erection,  enlargement,  alteration,  repair  or  removal  of  any  building  or  struc- 
ture in  the  city,  a  permit  for  such  erection,  enlargement,  alteration,  repair  or  removal 
shall  first  be  obtained  by  the  owner  or  his  agent  from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings, 
and  it  shall  be  unlawful  to  proceed  with  the  erection,  enlargement,  alteration,  repair 
or  removal  of  any  building  or  of  any  structural  part  thereof  within  the  city  unless 
such  permit  shall  first  have  been  obtained  from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  And 
if  after  such  permit  shall  have  been  granted,  the  operations  called  for  by  the  said 
permit  shall  not  be  begun  within  six  months  after  the  date  thereof,  or  if  such  opera- 
tions are  not  completed  within  a  reasonable  time  then  such  permit  shall  be  void,  arid 
no  operations  thereunder  shall  be  begun  or  completed  until  an  extended  permit  shall 


16  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

be  taken  out  by  the  owner  or  his  agent,  and  a  fee  of  ten  per  cent,  of  the  original 
cost  of  permit  shall  be  charged  for  such  extended  permit. 

*230.  Permits — Application  For — How  Made — How  Recorded — Stamped  Plans — 
How  Cared  For — Return  of  Same.)  (a)  Application  for  building  permits  shall  be 
made  by  the  owner  or  his  agent  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  When  such  appli- 
cation is  made,  plans  in  conformity  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  which  have 
been  examined  and  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  his  assistants,  as 
hereinbefore  provided  for,  shall  be  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  He  shall 
then  issue  a  permit,  and  shall  file  such  application,  and  shall  apply  to  such  plans  a 
final  official  stamp,  stating  that  the  drawings  to  which  the  same  has  been  applied 
comply  with  the  terms  of  this  chapter.  The  plans  so  stamped  shall  then  be  returned 
to  such  applicant.  True  copies  of  so  much  of  said  plans  as  may  be  required  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  illustrate  the  features  of  construction 
and  equipment  of  the  building  referred  to,  shall  be  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  and  shall  remain  on  file  in  his  office  for  a  period  of  six  months  after  the 
occupation  of  such  building,  after  which  such  drawings  shall  be  returned  by  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  to  the  person  by  whom  they  have  been  deposited  with  him, 
upon  demand.  It  shall  not  be  obligatory  upon  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to 
retain  such  drawings  in  his  custody  for  more  than  six  months  after  the  occupation  of 
the  building  to  which  they  relate. 

(b)  All  plans  and  drawings  for  the  construction  or  alteration  of  any  building 
or  other  structure  for  which  building  permits  are  required  shall,  before  such  permits 
are  issued,  be  presented  to  the  Commissioner  of  Health  for  examination  and  approval 
as  to  the  proposed  plan  for  the  ventilation  of  rooms,  light  and  air  shafts,  windows, 
the  ventilation  of  water  closets,  drainage  and  plumbing.    They  shall  also  be  presented 
to  the  Fire  Marshal  for  approval  as  to  standpipes  and  all  fire-fighting  apparatus: 
where  same  are  required.    They  shall  also  be  presented  to  the  Boiler  Inspector  and 
Smoke  Inspector  in  all  cases  where  permits  from  these  departments  are  required  to 
be  procured  by  the  ordinances  of  the  city. 

(c)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  not  issue  any  permit  authorizing  the 
construction,  erection,  repair  or  alteration  of  any  building  or  structure  unless  the 
plans  submitted  for  his  approval  clearly  show  that  such  building  or  structure  with  all 
its  appurtenances,  foundations  and  attachments  can  be  erected  entirely  within  the 
limits  of  the  lot  or  tract  of  land  upon  which  it  is  proposed  to  erect  such  building  or 
structure,  except  as  provided  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago,  and  no  permit 
to  erect,  repair  or  alter  any  building  or  structure  shall  authorize  the  use  of  any  part 
of  any  public  highway  or  other  public  ground  for  the  construction  or  maintenance  of 
such  building  or  structure  except  as  provided  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chi- 
cago, nor  shall  any  permit  be  issued  for  the  construction  or  maintenance  of  any  bal- 
cony or  canopy  extending  over  any  public  highway  or  other  public  ground  unless  per- 
mits therefor  have  been  obtained  from  the  proper  department  of  the  city  government 
pursuant  to  an  ordinance  specifically  authorizing  the  same.    The  plans  of  every  build- 
ing or  structure  which  show  that  any  part  of  said  building  or  structure,  or  any  of  its 
appurtenances,  or  any  attachments  thereto,  extend  over  any  part  of  any  public  high- 
way or  other  public  ground  shall  first  be  submitted  to  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
IWorks  and  notice  thereby  given  to  him  of  the  proposed  encroachment  upon  anv  public 


*As  amended  December  12,  1.910.     See  page  3183,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


highway  or 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  17 


fhway  or  other  public  ground.  Proof  of  such  notice  to  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works  must  be  presented  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  before  a  permit  for  any 
such  building  or  structure  shall  be  issued  by  said  Commissioner  of  Buildings;  and  no 
permit  issued  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  authorize  any  encroachment 
upon  any  part  of  any  public  highway  or  other  public  ground. 

(d)     In  all  cases,  the  approved  plan,  together  with  building  permits,  must  be 
kept  on  the  job  while  the  work  is  in  progress. 

231.  Plans — Essentials   Of.)      All    such  plans   and   drawings   shall  be  drawn 
to  a  scale  of  not  less  than  one-eighth  of  an  inch  to  the  foot,  on  paper  or  cloth,  in  ink, 
or  by  some  process  that  will  not  fade  or  obliterate.     All  distances  and  dimensions 
shall  be  accurately  figured,  and  drawings  made  explicit  and  complete,  showing  the  lot 
lines  and  the  entire  sewerage  and  drain  pipes  and  the  location  of  all  plumbing  fixtures 
within  such  building.    Each  set  of  plans  presented  shall  be  approved  by  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  before  a  permit  will  be  granted.    No  permit  shall  be  granted  or 
plans  approved  unless  such  plans  are  signed  and  sealed  by  a  licensed  architect,  as  pro- 
vided in  "An  Act  to  provide  for  the  licensing  of  architects  and  regulating  the  prac- 
tice of  architecture  as  a  profession  in  the  State  of  Illinois,"  approved  June  3,  1897. 

232.  Plans — Alterations  Upon  Stamped  Plans  Not  Permitted  Without  Permis- 
sion— Certain  Alterations  Excepted.)  It  shall  be  unlawful  to  erase,  alter  or  modify 
any  lines,  figures,  or  coloring  contained  upon  such  drawings  so  stamped  by  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  or  filed  with  him  for  reference.    If,  during  the  progress  of  the 
execution  of  such  work,  it  is  desired  to  deviate  in  any  manner  affecting  the  construc- 
tion or  other  essentials  of  the  building  from  the  terms  of  the  application,  or  drawing, 
notice  of  such  intention  to  alter  or  deviate  shall  be  given  to  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  and  his  written  assent  shall  first  be  obtained  before  such  alteration  or 
deviation  may  be  made ;  but  alterations  in  buildings  which  do  not  involve  any  change 
in  their  structural  parts  or  of  their  stairways,  elevators,  fire  escapes  or  other  means 
of  communication  or  ingress  or  egress  or  in  lighting  or  ventilation  and  that  are  not  in 
violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  may  be  made  without  the  permis- 
sion of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

233.  Deposit  with  Water  Department — How  Made — Indemnifying  Bonds — Fees 
for  Water  Used.)  (a)  Before  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  issues  a  permit  as  afore- 
said he  shall  require  evidence  from  the  applicant  that  payment  has  been  made  to  the 
Bureau  of  Water  of  the  city  for  the  water  to  be  used  or  for  a  water  meter  for  measur- 
ing all  the  water  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  such  building,  under  the  regulations 
of  the  Bureau  of  Water.    Such  applicant  shall  produce  evidence  that  he  has  filed  with 
and  had  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  of  the  city  an  indemnifying 
bond  protecting  the  city  against  any  and  all  damage  that  may  arise  to  thexstreets  or 
alleys  upon  which  such  building  abuts,  and  to  the  city  and  to  any  person  in  conse- 
quence, or  by  reason  of,  the  proposed  operations  to  be  authorized  by  such  permit,  or 
by  reason  of  any  obstruction  or  occupation  of  any  street  or  sidewalks  in  and  about 
such  building  operations. 

(b)     The  fees  to  be  paid  for  water  used  in  connection   with  the   erection  of 
buildings  shall  be  as  follows,  to-wit: 

At  the  rate  of  five  cents  for  every  one  thousand  bricks,  wall  measure,  used  in 
connection  therewith. 

At  the  rate  of  six  cents  for  every  one  hundred  cubic  feet  of  rubble  stone  used  in 
connection  therewith. 


18  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

At  the  rate  of  eight  cents  for  every  one  hundred  cubic  feet  of  concrete  used  in 
connection  therewith. 

At  the  rate  of  fifteen  cents  for  every  one  hundred  yards  of  plastering  used  in 
connection  therewith. 

At  the  rate  of  five  cents  for  every  one  hundred  cubic  feet  of  hollow  tile  arch, 
partition  or  fireproof  covering  used  in  connection  therewith. 

*234.  Amount  of  Permit  Fees.)  (a)  The  fees  to  be  charged  for  building  per- 
mits shall  be  as  follows:  For  sheds  not  exceeding  three  hundred  square  feet  in 
area,  Two  Dollars;  for  open  shelter  sheds,  at  the  rate  of  Fifty  Cents  for  each  one 
thousand  cubic  feet  or  fractional  part  thereof;  for  all  buildings  or  other  structures,, 
other  than  sheds  and  open  shelter  sheds,  as  hereinafter  described,  the  fee  for  the 
permit  shall  be  at  the  rate  of  Ten  Cents  for  every  one  thousand  cubic  feet  or  frac- 
tional part  thereof  contained  therein,  the  cubic  contents  being  measured  to  include 
every  part  of  the  building  from  the  basement  floor  to  the  highest  point  of  the  roof, 
and  to  include  all  bay  windows  and  other  projections;  but  in  no  case,  shall  any 
permit  be  issued  for  a  less  fee  than  Two  Dollars,  except  that  a  fee  of  One  Dollar  shall 
be  charged  for  recovering  or  recoating  the  roof  of  any  building. 

(b)  The  fee  to  be  charged  for  permits  issued  for  alterations  and  repairs  in  or 
to  any  building  or  other  structure  shall  be  based  on  the  cost  of  such  alterations  and 
repairs  and  shall  be  at  the  rate  of  Two  Dollars  for  each  Five  Thousand  Dollars  01 
part  thereof  to  be  expended  therefor.  The  fee  for  permit  to  raise  any  building  other 
than  a  frame  building  shall  be  Two  Dollars  for  every  twenty-five  feet  or  fractional 
part  thereof  of  frontage. 

(c)  In  addition  to  the  above  permit  fees  for  buildings,  permit  and  inspection 
fee  shall  be  charged  as  follows : 

For  erection  of  fire  escapes,  $2.00 ; 

For  installation  or  alteration  of  elevator,  $2.00 ; 

For  semi-annual  inspection  of  elevator,  $2.00; 

For  erection  of  billboard  or  signboard,  $2.00  for  every  25  lineal  feet  or  fractional 
part  thereof; 

For  annual  inspection  of  billboard  or  signboard,  35  cents  for  each  25  lineal  feet 
of  billboard  or  signboard  or  fractional  part  thereof; 

For  erection  of  illuminated  and  other  roof  signs  under  Section  710  of  this  Chap- 
ter, $50.00  for  the  first  500  square  feet  of  superficial  area  or  fractional  part  thereof, 
and  two  cents  for  each  additional  square  foot  area; 

For  annual  inspection  of  illuminated  and  other  roof  signs  under  Section  710  of 
this  Chapter,  $50.00; 

For  tearing  down  or  wrecking  a  building,  $2.00  for  every  25  feet  of  frontage  or 
fractional  part  thereof; 

For  annual  inspection  of  building  required  to  be  inspected  by  Section  237  of  this 
Chapter,  $2.00  for  each  25,000  square  feet  or  fractional  part  thereof; 

For  semi-annual  inspection  of  iron  or  steel  curtain,  $5.00; 

For  semi-annual  inspection  of  asbestos  curtain,  $2.00; 

For  permit  for  tank  or  tower  on  roof  in  excess  of  400-gallon  capacity,  $5.00; 


*As  amended  December  12,  1910  and  February  20,  1911.     See  pages  3184  and 
3990,  respectively,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  19 

For  permit  for  isolated  chimneys  or  for  chimneys  extending  over  fifty  feet  above 
the  roof  of  any  building,  $5.00. 

235.  Permit  for  Wrecking  Building.)  (a)  Before  proceeding  with  the  wreck- 
ing or  tearing  down  of  any  building  or  other  structure  more  than  one-story  in  height 
or  of  any  structure  of  greater  area  than  2,800  square  feet,  a  permit  for  such  wrecking 
or  tearing  down  shall  first  be  obtained  by  the  owner  or  his  agent  from  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings,  and  it  shall  be  unlawful  to  proceed  with  the  wrecking  or  tearing 
down  of  any  such  building  or  structure  or  any  structural  part  of  such  building  or 
structure  unless  such  permit  shall  first  have  been  obtained.  Application  for  such 
permit  shall  be  made  by  such  owner  or  his  agent  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
who  shall  issue  such  permit  upon  such  application  and  the  payment  of  the  fee  herein 
provided  for.  Such  application  shall  state  the  location  and  describe  the  building 
whi^h  il  is  proposed  to  wreck  or  tear  down.  The  fee  for  such  permit  shall  be  Two 
Dollars  for  every  twenty-five  feet,  or  fractional  part  thereof,  of  frontage.  Upon  the 
issuance  of  such  permit,  such  building  may  be  wrecked  or  torn  down,  provided  that 
all  the  work  done  thereunder  shall  be  subject  to  the  supervision  of  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings  and  to  such  reasonable  restrictions  as  he  may  impose  in  regard  to  ele- 
ments of  safety  and  health,  and  provided,  further,  that  the  work  shall  be  kept  sprin- 
kled and  sufficient  scaffolding  be  provided  to  insure  safety  to  human  life. 

(b)  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  engaged  in  the  wrecking  of  a  building  or 
other  structure  for  which  a  permit  is  required,  shall  file  with  the  City  Clerk  a  bond 
with  sureties  satisfactory  to  the  City  Comptroller  in  the  sum  of  Twenty  Thousand 
Dollars,  to  indemnify  the  City  against  any  lawsuits  brought  or  judgments  obtained 
against  the  City  of  Chicago  or  any  of  its  officials,  resulting  from  accidents  to  person* 
or  property  during  wrecking  operations,  and  no  permit  shall  be  issued  for  any  wreck- 
ing work  except  as  hereinabove  otherwise  provided,  until  such  bond  is  filed. 

*23G.  Permit — Revocation  of.)  If  the  work  in,  upon  or  about  any  building 
or  structure  shall  be  conducted  in  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  revoke  the  permit  for  the 
building  or  wrecking  operations  in  connection  with  which  such  violation  shall  have 
taken  place.  It  shall  be  unlawful,  after  the  revocation  of  such  permit,  to  proceed 
with  such  building  or  wrecking  operations  unless  such  permit  shall  first  have  been 
reinstated  or  reissued  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  Before  a  permit  so  revoked 
may  be  lawfully  reissued  or  reinstated,  the  entire  building  and  building  site  shall  first 
be  put  into  condition  corresponding  with  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter,  and  any 
work  or  material  applied  to  the  same  in  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this 
Chapter  shall  be  first  removed  from  such  building. 

f237.  Annual  Inspection  of  Buildings — Stairways  and  Means  of  Egress — In- 
spection Fee.)  (a)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  his  assistants  shall  make  an 
annual  inspection  of  all  theaters  and  places  of  amusement,  worship,  instruction  or 
entertainment,  and  also  of  all  other  buildings  over  two  stories  in  height,  except  resi- 
dences, and  except  tenements  three  stories  or  less  in  height.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
every  owner,  agent,  lessee  or  occupant  of  any  such  building  as  is  referred  to  in  this 


*As  amended  February  20.  1911.  See  page  3990,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

fAs  amended  December  11,  1911.  See  page  1940,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings 
of  the  City  Council. 


20  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

section  and  of  the  person  in  charge  or  control  of  the  same  to  permit  the  making  of 
such  annual  inspection  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  or  by  a  duly  authorized 
Building  Inspector,  at  any  time  upon  demand  being  duly  made. 

(b)  Whenever  any  such  inspection  shows  the  building  to  be  in  compliance  with 
the  requirements  of  this  Chapter  with  respect  to  stairways,  means  of  egress,  and  in 
all  other  respects,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  issue,  or 
cause  to  be  issued,  a  certificate  setting  forth  the  result  of  such  inspection,  containing 
the  date  thereof,  and  a  statement  to  the  effect  that  such  building  complies  in  all  re- 
spects with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter,  upon  the  payment  of  the  inspection  fee 
herein  required. 

(c)  It  shall  be  the  joint  and  several  duty  of  the  owner,  agent,  lessee  or  occu- 
pant of  the  building  so  inspected  and  of  each  and  every  person  in  charge  and  control 
ot  the  same  to  frame  the  said  certificate  and  place  it  in  a  conspicuous  place  near  the 
main  entrance  of  such  building. 

(d)  It  shall  be  the  joint  and  several  duty  of  the  owner,  agent,  lessee  or  occu- 
pant of  every  building  described  in  this  section  to  provide  a  typical  floor  plan  of  such 
building  reproduced  on  a  sheet  eight  by  ten  inches  in  size.    Said  plan  shall  be  drawn 
on  as  large  a  scale  as  will  be  practicable  on  such  sheet,  and  said  sheet  shall  also  state 
the  street  address  of  such  building,  and  shall  give  the  class  of  the  building,  the  kind 
of  construction  used  therein,  the  height  and  the  number  of  stories  contained  therein, 
the  nature  of  the  occupancy,  and  whether  said  building  is  equipped  with  an  approved 
automatic  sprinkler  system. 

(e)  It  shall  also  be  the  joint  and  several  duty  of  such  owner,  agent,  lessee  or 
occupant  to  deliver  a  copy  of  said  sheet  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  to 
frame  a  copy  of  said  sheet  and  place  the  same  near  the  framed  certificate  hereinabove 
required. 

(f)  It  shall  also  be  the  joint  and  several  duty  of  the  said  owner,  agent,  lessee 
or  occupant  to  substitute  a  new  sheet  for  the  sheet  on  file  with  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  and  also  the  sheet  framed  as  above  required,  whenever  such  changes  or 
alterations  are  made  in  such  building  as  will  affect  the  substantial  accuracy  of  the 
sheet  previously  furnished  such  Commissioner  and  framed  as  above  required. 

(g)  Where  the  result  of  such  inspection  shall  show  that  such  building  fails  in 
any  respect  to  comply  with  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  notify  the  owner,  agent,  lessee  or  occupant  of 
such  building  to  this  effect  and  to  specify  wherein  such  building  fails  to  comply  with 
the  requirements  of  this  Chapter;  and  it  shall  thereupon  become  the  joint  and  several 
duty  of  such  owner,  agent,  lessee  or  occupant  to  proceed  forthwith  to  make  whatever 
changes  or  alterations  may  be  necessary  to  make  such  building  comply  in  all  respects 
with  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter  and  to  complete  such  changes  and  alterations 
within  thirty  days  after  the  receipt  of  such  notice. 

(h)  Upon  making  such  annual  inspection,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  owner  to 
pay  to  the  City  Collector  an  annual  inspection  fee  for  the  same,  amounting  to  $2.00 
for  each  25,000  square  feet  of  floor  area,  or  fractional  part  thereof.  Provided,  how- 
ever, that  no  charge  for  such  annual  inspection  shall  be  made  against  religious, 
charitable  or  educational  institutions. 

238.  Architect  Must  Certify  That  Plans  Comply  With  the  Building  Ordi- 
nances.) It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  architect,  or  other  person  permitted  under 
the  laws  of  the  state  to  make  plans,  to  prepare  or  submit  to  the  Commissioner  of 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  21 

Buildings  for  his  approval  any  final  plans  for  any  building  or  structure  which  do  not 
comply  with  the  structural  requirements  of  this  Chapter.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  require  that  all  plans  submitted  to  him  for  approval 
for  any  building  or  structure  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  certificate  of  such  architect 
or  such  other  person  preparing  such  plans  that  the  plans  submitted  comply  with  the 
structural  requirements  of  this  chapter. 

*239.  Constructing  Buildings  Contrary  to  Approved  Plans — Permit  Made 
Void  by  Deviation  from  Plans — Power  to  Stop  Work.)  (a)  It  shall  be  unlawful 
for  any  owner,  agent  or  architect  or  for  any  contractor  or  builder  engaged  in 
erecting,  altering  or  repairing  any  building,  to  make  any  departure  from  the  plans 
as  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  of  such  nature  that  such  departure 
involves  any  violation  of  the  requirements  of  this  chapter  as  to  buildings  of  the 
class  in  which  such  building  is,  or  to  make  any  changes  in  plans  or  construction 
affecting  means  of  egress,  ventilation,  natural  lighting  or  sanitary  conditions  with- 
out first  obtaining  the  written  consent  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  of 
the  Commissioner  of  Health  to  such  changes.  Any  such  departure  from  the  ap- 
proved plans  involving  a  violation  of  the  requirements  of  this  chapter  or  any  sucb 
change  in  the  plans  or  construction  without  the  consent  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  and  of  the  Commissioner  of  Health  being  obtained,  as  required  lierein, 
shall  operate  to  annul  the  permit  which  has  been  issued  for  such  work  and  shall 
render  the  same  void. 

(b)  In  case  any  work  is  done  under  a  permit  authorizing  the  erection,  alter- 
ation or  repair  of  a  building  or  structure,  which  work  is  contrary  to  the  approved 
plans,   the  Commissioner  of   Buildings   or   the   Commissioner   of   Health   and   their 
assistants  shall  have  power  to  at  once  stop  such  work  and  to  order  all  persons 
engaged  therein  to  stop  and  desist  therefrom.     Such  work  shall  not  be  resumed 
until  satisfactory  assurance  has  been  given  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  or  the 
Commissioner  of  Health  that  it  will  be  done  according  to  the  approved  plans  or 
until   said   Commissioner   of  Buildings   or   Commissioner   of  Health   has   consented, 
in  writing,  to  the  changes  made  in  such  approved  plans/ in  either  of  which  cases 
a   new   permit   must   be   issued  before    the   work   proceeds,   for   which   permit   the 
usual  fee  shall  be  paid  by  the  contractor  doing  such  work. 

(c)  Xo  contractor  or  builder  shall  begin  any  work  on  any  building  or  struc- 
ture for   which   a   permit   is   required  until  such   permit   shall   have  been   secured. 
In  case  any  work  is  begun  on  the  erection,  alteration,  repair  or  removal  of  any 
building  or  structure  without  a  permit  authorizing  the   same  being  issued  there- 
for, the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  his  assistants  shall  have  power  to  at  once 
stop   such   work   and   to   order   any   and   all   persons   engaged   therein   to   stop   and 
desist  therefrom  until  the  proper  permit  is  secured. 


ARTICLE  III. 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    BUILDINGS. 

f240.     Buildings— Class  of.)      (a)     All  buildings  other  than  sheds  and  shelter 


*As  amended  July  22,  1912.  See  page  1670,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

fAs  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3991,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  Citv  Council. 


22  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

sheds  as  hereafter  described,  now  existing  or  hereafter  erected,  altered  or  enlarged, 
shall  be  classified  as  follows : 

(b)  Class  I.)     In  Class  I  shall  be  included  every  building  other  than  depart- 
inent  stores  as  described  in  this  Chapter,  used  for  the  sale,  storage.,  or  manufacture 
of  merchandise,  and  every  stable  or  garage  having  a  ground  area  of  500  square  feet 
or  over. 

(c)  Class  II.)     In  Class  II  shall  be  included  every  building  referred  to  in  sub- 
divisions Class  Ha,  Class  lib  and  Class  He, 

(d)  In  Class  Ha  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for  office  purposes,  and 
also  every  building  used  for  clubhouse  purposes  where  sleeping  accommodations  are 
provided  for  less  than  twenty  persons. 

(e)  In  Class  lib  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for  hotel,  club,  lodging 
or  rooming  house  purposes  where  such  building  has  sleeping  accommodations  for 
twenty  or  more  persons. 

(f )  In  Class  lie  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for  a  hospital,  for  housing 
the  sick  and  infirm,  imbeciles  or  children,  and  every  jail,  police  station,  asylum,  house 
of  correction  and  detention  and  also  every  home  for  the  aged  and  decrepit  where 
sleeping  accommodations  are  provided  for  more  than  ten  persons. 

(g)  Class  III.)     In  Class  III  shall  be  included  every  building  used  as  a  family 
residence,  and  also  every  building  used  for  garage  or  stabling  purposes,  and  having  a 
ground  area  of  less  than  500  square  feet. 

(h)  Class  IV.)  In  Class  IV  shall  be  included  every  building  referred  to  in 
subdivisions  Class  IVa,  Class  IVb,  Class  IVc,  and  Class  IVd,  as  follows: 

(i)  In  Class  IVa  shall  be  included  every  building  used  as  a  church  or  place  of 
worship. 

(j)  In  Class  IVb  shall  be  included  every  building  having  a,parish  hall,  lodge 
hall,  dance  hall,  banquet  hall,  skating  rink,  assembly  hall,  halls  used  for  the  purpose 
of  exposition  and  exhibition,  and  buildings  having  a  hall  for  the  purpose  of  instruc- 
tion other  than  schools,  included  in  Class  VIII,  and  also  every  existing  building  hav- 
ing a  hall  used  for  theatrical  purposes  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance, 
except  such  buildings  as  are  included  in  Classes  IVa,  IVc,  IVd,  and  V. 

(k)  In  Class  IVc  shall  be  included  every  building  hereafter  erected  used  for 
moving  picture  and  vaudeville  shows  and  similar  entertainments,  where  an  admission 
fee  is  charged  and  regular  performances  are  given,  and  where  the  seating  capacity 
does  not  exceed  three  hundred,  provided,  that  every  building  of  Class  IVc  existing  at 
the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of  Class 
IVb. 

(1)  In  Class  IVd  shall  be  included  every  grandstand  and  every  baseball,  athletic 
and  amusement  park. 

(m)  Class  V.)  In  Class  V  shall  be  included  every  building  which  is  used  as  a 
public  theatre  where  an  admission  fee  is  charged  and  in  which  movable  scenery  is 
used,  and  every  assembly  hall  hereafter  erected  having  a  seating  capacity  of  over  300 
and  containing  a  permanent  stage  on  which  scenery  and  theatrical  apparatus  are  used 
and  regular  theatrical  vaudeville  performances  are  given;  provided,  however,  that 
public  halls  and  club  halls  with  a  seating  capacity  of  less  than  600,  although  occa- 
sionally used  for  theatrical  presentations,  shall  not  be  construed  to  be  public- 
theaters  within  the  meaning  of  the  term  as  used  in  this  section,  notwithstanding 
the  fact  that  movable  scenery  is  used  upon  the  stages  thereof  on  such  occasions, 
and  such  public  halls  and  club  halls  shall  not  be  considered  as  buildings  of  Class  V 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  23 

as  herein  defined.     Such  public  halls  and  club  halls  shall  be  included  in  Class  1V!>. 
as  defined  in  this  section. 

(n)  Class  VI.)  In  Class  VI  shall  be  included  every  tenement  and  apartment 
house  or  building  or  portion  thereof  which  is  used  or  intended  to  be  used  as  a  home 
or  residence  for  two  or  more  families  living  in  separate  apartments. 

(o)  Class  VII.)  In  Class  VII  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for  the 
sale  at  retail  of  dry  goods  and  other  articles  of  general  merchandise  and  commonly 
known  and.  described  as  a  department  store. 

(p)  Class  VIII.)  In  Class  VIII  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for 
school  purposes  having  a  seating  capacity  of  more  than  100  students. 

(q)  Requirements  with  regard  to  buildings  not  within  any  of  the  above  classes 
shall  be  determined  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  subject  to  arbitration  in  the 
same  manner  as  provided  in  Sections  206  and  207  of  this  chapter. 

241.  Buildings  Used  for  the  Purposes  of  More  Than  One  Class.)     Where  any 
building  is  used  for  the  purposes  of  two  or  more  classes,  as  herein  specified,  and 
defined,  ^uch  portion  of  any  such  building  as  is  devoted  to  the  uses  and  purposes  of 
ony  particular  class  shall  be  constructed,  operated  and  maintained  in  accordance  with 
the  requirements  of  this  chapter  relating  to  such  class,  unless  such  construction  shall, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  prove  impracticable,  or  unless  there 
would  be  a  conflict  between  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  relating  to  the  construction 
of  buildings,  in  either  of  which  cases  the  provisions  which  relate  to  and  govern  the 
construction  of  buildings  of  the  class  requiring  the  best  and  safest  form  of  construc- 
tion shall  govern  the  entire  building. 

242.  Conflict    Between    Special    and    General    Provisions.)     Whenever  any 
provision   or  requirement  of  this   chapter   relating  specifically  to  the  construction, 
equipment,  maintenance,  or  operation  of  any  building  or  part  of  a  building  used  for 
the  purposes  of  any  specified  class,  shall  conflict  with  the  general  provisions  of  this 
chapter  relating  to  the  construction,  equipment,  maintenance  and  operation  of  build- 
ings generally,  the  special  provisions  shall  govern  in  each  case,  except  in  the  case  of 
Section  514,  which  shall  govern  in  all  cases  coming  within  its  provisions. 


ARTICLE  TV. 

CLASS   I. 

*243.  Class  I  Defined.)  In  Class  I  shall  be  included  every  building  other  than 
department  stores,  as  described  in  this  Chapter,  used  for  the  sale,  storage,  or  manu- 
facture of  merchandise,  and  every  stable  or  garage  having  a  ground  area  of  500  square 
feet  or  over. 

2431/2-  Must  Comply  With  General  ana  Special  Provisions.)  Every  building 
of  Class  I  shall  comply  with  the  general  provisions  of  this  chapter,  and  shall,  in  addi- 
tion, comply  with  the  following  special  provisions: 

244.  Buildings — Construction  of — In  Relation  to  Height.)  (a)  The  construc- 
tion of  buildings  of  Class  I  shall  be  as  follows:  Buildings  of  Class  I  which  are  more 
than  90  feet  in  height  shall  be  built  of  fireproof  construction. 


-As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3991,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


24  »  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

(b)  Buildings  of  Class  I  which  are  less  than  90  feet  in  height  and  more  than  50 
feet  in  height  shall  be  built  of  slow-burning,  mill  or  fireproof  construction. 

(c)  Buildings  of  Class  I  of  ordinary  construction  shall  not  be  built  more  than 
four  stories  in  height. 

*245.  Skeleton  Steel  Walls— Metal  Lath,  and  Solid  Cement  Plaster  Covers.) 
(a)  A  one  or  two  story  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  I,  no  part  of  which 
is  within  twenty  feet  of  any  lot  line,  alley  line  or  street  line,  having  a  complete  self- 
supporting  steel  frame  consisting  of  wall  columns,  supporting  steel  trusses,  with  steel 
trusses  and  steel  diagonals,  designed  to  resist  safely,  within  the  safe  limits  of  stress 
provided  by  this  chapter,  a  wind  pressure  of  twenty  pounds  per  square  foot,  for  each 
and  every  exterior  surface  exposed  to  the  wind,  in  addition  to  the  dead  weight  of  the 
completed  structure,  and  in  addition  to  the  live  load  of  100  pounds  per  square  foot 
provided  for  by  this  chapter,  and  any  other  live  loads  which  may  be  imposed  on  such 
structure,  may  have  exterior  walls  measuring  not  less  than  one  and  one-third  inches 
thick  of  metal  lath  or  metal  fabric  plastered  on  both  sides  with  a  mortar  consisting 
only  of  Portland  cement  and  torpedo  sand.  Complete  re-enforced  concrete  frame- 
work, built  in  every  manner  equally  as  strong  and  as  safe  as  provided  for  a  steel 
frame,  in  this  section,  may  have  exterior  walls  built  in  the  same  manner,  of  the  same 
materials  and  of  the  same  thickness. 

(b)  The  enclosing  walls  of  buildings  which  are  built  not  less  than  fifty  feet 
from  any  lot,  alley  or  street  line,  may  be  constructed  of  corrugated  iron,  supported  on 
a  steel  frame  built  as  specified  in  this  section. 

f246.  Door  Openings — Revolving  Doors.)  (a)  The  aggregate  width  of  door 
openings  at  the  street  level  in  buildings  of  Class  I  shall  be  equal  to  the  aggregate 
width  of  stairways,  as  specified  in  Section  666  of  this  chapter,  and  all  locks  used  on 
exit  doors  or  on  doors  or  gates  leading  to  hallways  or  stairways  which  lead  to  exit 
doors,  shall  be  so  arranged  that  they  may  be  opened  from  the  inside  without  the  use 
of  a  key,  during  business  hours,  or  while  such  buildings  are  occupied  for  any  pur- 
pose. In  every  building  of  this  class,  every  door  leading  from  a  loft  or  space  above 
the  first  sfory  shall  swing  into  the  stair  hall,  and  every  door  which  is  a  means  of 
exit  from  any  floor  above  the  first,  shall  swing  outwardly  from  the  space  or  hallway 
in  which  said  stairway  from  such  upper  floor  is  located.  No  door  when  open  shall 
project  over  a  public  sidewalk. 

Ib)  Revolving  doors  shall  not  be  considered  as  complying  with  this  section 
unless  the  revolving  wings  of  such  revolving  doors  are  so  arranged  that,  by  the  appli- 
cation of  a  force  slightly  more  than  is  necessary  to  revolve  said  doors  and  which  one 
person  of  ordinary  strength  is  capable  of  exerting,  all  the  wings  of  said  doors  fold 
fiat  on  each  other  and  in  an  outward  direction,  or  unless  the  revolving  wings  of  said 
revolving  doors  are  so  arranged  that  they  may  be  readily  collapsed  or  removed  by 
pressure  or  simple  mechanical  means,  to  be  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings, and  leave  sufficient  opening  for  two  or  more  persons  to  pass  through  with  a 
minimum  width  of  not  less  than  twenty-two  inches  on  eacH  side  of  said  collapsed 
doors. 

Where  revolving  doors  are  used  as  exits  they  shall  be  credited  as  exits  only  to 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  pages  3991  and  3992,  Journal  of  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  City  Council. 

fAs  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3992,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  ot 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  25 

the  extent  of  the  clear  space  remaining  when  the  doors  are  collapsed,  and  all  de- 
ficiency of  required  exits  must  be  made  up  by  additional  doors. 

247.  Existing  Buildings  of  Class  I — Increasing  Height  of.)     In  all  cases  where 
buildings  of  Class  I  of  ordinary  construction  built  prior  to  the  passage  of  this  ordi- 
nance, are  to  be  increased  in  height  above  the  height  of  fifty  feet,  or  of  mill  or  slow- 
burning  construction  above  the  height  of  ninety  feet,  the  additional  parts  of  such  build- 
ings shall  be  constructed  as  herein  provided  for  buildings  over  fifty  feet  in  height  or 
over  ninety  feet  in  height,  respectively,  and  said  additional  parts  shall  be  made  to 
conform  in  all  respects  to  the  requirements  for  buildings  of  this  class  more  than  fifty 
feet  in  height  or  more  than  ninety  feet  in  height,  respectively,  before  it  shall  be  law- 
ful to  occupy  them. 

248.  Ceiling   and    Roof— Space    Between.)      In   buildings   of   Class    I.   if   the 
enclosed  space  between  a  ceiling  and  the  roof  is  of  greater  average  height  than  two 
feet,  access  shall  be  provided  by  means  of  at  least  one  stairway  not  less  than  three 
feet  wide,  leading  from  a  public  hallway  or  corridor. 

249.  Fire  Walls.)      (a)     Buildings  occupied  by  more  than  one  person,  firm  or 
corporation,  or  for  more  than  one  business  enterprise  conducted  by  the  same  person, 
firm  or  corporation,  in  separate  enclosures  on  any  one  floor,  shall  have  a  brick  divid- 
ing wall  for  every  fifty  feet  of  street  frontage,  if  of  ordinary  construction,  or  for  every 
eighty  feet  of  street  frontage,  if  of  slow-burning  or  mill  construction,  and  such  divid- 
ing walls  shall  extend  from  the  front  to  the  rear  wall  and  such  dividing  walls  and 
the  doors  therein  shall  be  built  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Section  573  of 
this  chapter. 

(b)  All  of  the  partitions  between  the  parts  of  such  buildings  occupied  by  differ- 
ent persons,  firms  or  corporations,  shall  be  built  of  incombustible  material  from  the 
floor  to  the  floor  boards  or  roof  boards  next  above  such  story  or  stories  so  occupied. 

(c)  Only  metal  framed  windows  glazed  with  one-quarter  inch  thick  wire  glass 
may  be  used  in  such  partitions. 

250.  Dividing   Walls— When  Required.)     (a)    Dividing   walls  will  be  required 
in  buildings  of  Class  I  as  follows: 

(b)  Every  building  of  ordinary  construction  having  greater  area  than  9,000 
square  feet  shall  be  divided  into  areas  of  9,000  square  feet  or  less  by  dividing  walls ; 
every  building  of  slow-burning  or  mill  construction  more  than  one  story  in  height, 
having  a  floor  area  greater  than   12,000  square  feet  shall  be  divided  into  areas  of 
12,000  square  feet  or  less  by  dividing  walls;  every  fireproof  building  more  than  two 
stories  in  height  having  a  floor  area  greater  than  30,000  square  feet  shall  be  divided 
into  areas  of  30,000  square  feet  or  less  by  dividing  walls. 

(c)  Where  dividing  walls  are  required  in  any  of  the  above-mentioned  buildings, 
such  building  shall  be  subdivided  by  brick  walls,  built  of  the  thickness  given  in  the 
table  for  the  thickness  of  enclosing  walls  and  all  door  or  other  openings  in  such  walls 
shall  have  at  each  side  of  the  same,  iron  doors,  tin-clad  doors  or  shutters,  as  de- 
scribed in  Section  573  of  this  chapter,  and  said  buildings  as  subdivided  shall  be  pro- 
vided with  stairs  and  fire  escapes  the  same  as  hereinafter  required;  provided,  how- 
ever,  that  one-story  buildings  of  ordinary,   mill   or  slow-burning  construction   and 
two-story  buildings  of  fireproof  construction  of  any  size  when  used  as  one  store,  room 
or  workshop  and  occupied  by  only  one  person,  firm  or  corporation,  may  be  erected 
without  any  dividing  walls. 


26  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

*251.  Display  of  Placard— Indicating  Floor  Strength.)  (a)  It  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  owner  of  every  building  of  Class  I  now  in  existence  or  hereafter  erected, 
or  of  his  agent,  or  of  the  occupant,  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  same, 
to  affix  and  display  conspicuously  on  each  floor  of  such  building,  a  placard,  stating 
the  uniformly  distributed  load  per  square  foot  of  floor  surface,  which  may  with  safety 
be  applied  to  that  particular  floor,  as  provided  by  this  chapter,  or  if  the  strength  of 
different  parts  of  any  floor  varies,  then  there  shall  be  such  placards  for  each  varying 
part  of  such  floor.  It  shall  be  unlawful  to  load  any  such  floors  or  any  part  thereof  to 
a  greater  extent  than  the  loads  indicated  upon  such  placards. 

(b)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  occupants  of  such  buildings  to  maintain  such 
placards  during  their  occupation  of  the  premises  and  of  the  owners  of  buildings,  or 
their  agents,  to  cause  the  same  to  be  properly  affixed  with  each  change  of  occupation. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  owner,  agent  or  lessee  of  each  such  building,  now  in 
existence,  as  well  as  hereafter  erected,  to  procure  and  submit  evidence  of  the  cor- 
rectness of  the  figures  on  such  placards  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.     When- 
ever such  evidence  as  to  the  correctness  of  the  figures  shall  be  satisfactory  to  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  he  shall  approve  such  placards.     Such  placards  so  ap- 
proved by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  then  be  affixed  upon  the  respective 
floors  of  the  different  buildings.     The  calculations   and  loads   shall  be  in   accord- 
ance with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter. 

(c)  It   shall  be  the  duty  of  the  owner,  agent  or  lessee  to  pay  to  the  City 
Collector  a  fee  amounting  to  five  dollars    ($5.00)    for  each  fifty  thousand    (50,000) 
equare   feet  of  floor  area,  or  fractional   part   thereof,  for  each  building   for  which 
such  placards  are  approved. 

f252.  Live  Loads  for  Floors.)  The  floors  of  all  buildings  of  Class  I  hereafter 
erected  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  capable  of 
bearing,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  floor  construction,  partitions,  permanent 
fixtures  and  mechanisms  that  may  be  set  upon  the  same,  a  live  load  of  one 
hundred  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  surface,  and  the  strength  of  such  build- 
ing shall  be  increased  above  the  capacity  to  carry  such  a  live  load  of  one  hundred 
pounds  per  square  foot  of  floor  surface,  when  the  uses  to  which  such  building,  or 
part  thereof,  is  to  be  applied,  involve  greater  stress.  The  calculations  and  loads 
shall  be  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter.  In  every  building  of 
Class  1  now  constructed  and  in  use,  whenever  it  shall  be  found  by  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  that  the  floors  of  same,  or  any  part  or  parts  thereof,  are  not 
capable  of  bearing,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  the  floor  construction,  partitions, 
permanent  fixtures  and  mechanisms  that  may  be  upon  the  same,  a  live  load  of 
forty  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  surface,  he  shall  condemn  the  same  and  order 
such  floor  or  floors  to  be  repaired  or  reconstructed  within  a  reasonable  time  by  the 
owner  or  occupant  thereof,  and  shall  proceed  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  Sections 
201  and  202  of  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911,  and  in  such  case  it  shall  be  unlawful  for 
the  owner  or  occupant  to  continue  to  use  such  building  until  the  said  floors  shall  be 
repaired  or  reconstructed  in  accordance  herewith. 

253.  Elevator  Buildings.)  Elevator  buildings  intended  solely  for  the  receipt, 
storage  and  delivery  of  grain  in  bulk,  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction  as  described 
in  this  chapter. 

*As  amended  May  12,  1913.  See  page  441,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council.  [This  section  was  previously  amended  December  4,  1911.  See  page 
1902,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council  for  said  date.] 

tAs  amended  November  13,  1911.  See  page  1635,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings 
of  the  Citv  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  27 

ARTICLE  V. 
CLASS  n. 

254.  Class  II   Defined.)      (a)     In  Class  II  shall  be   included   every   bujlding 
referred  to  in  subdivisions  Class  Ila,  Class  lib  and  Class  lie. 

(b)  In  Class  Ila  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for  office  purposes,  and 
also  every  building  used  for  clubhouse  purposes  where  sleeping  accommodations  are 
provided  for  less  than  twenty  persons. 

(c)  In  Class  lib  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for  hotel,  club,  lodging 
or  rooming  house  purposes  where   such  building  has   sleeping  accommodations  for 
twenty  or  more  persons. 

(d)  In  Class  He  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for  a  hospital,  for  hous-, 
ing  the  sick  and  infirm,  imbeciles,  or  children,  and  every  jail,  police   station,   asylum, 
house  of  correction  and  detention,  and  also  every  home  for  the  aged  and  decrepit, 
where  sleeping  accommodations  are  provided  for  more  than  ten  persons. 

2541/2.  Must  Comply  With  General  and  Special  Provisions.)  Every  building 
of  Class  II  shall  comply  with  the  general  provisions  of  this  chapter,  and  in  addition 
to  the  general  provisions  shall  comply  with  the  following  special  provisions: 

255.  Allowance  for  Live  Loads  in  Construction  of  Floors  of  Class  II.)     For  all 
buildings  of  Class  II  the  floors  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such  manner  as 
to  be  capable  of  bearing  in  all  their  parts,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  floor  construc- 
tion, partitions,  permanent  fixtures  and  mechanisms  that  may  be  set  upon  the  same, 
a  live  load  of  fifty  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  surface,  and  such  live  load  shall 
be  computed  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter. 

256.  Windows  and  Mechanical  Ventilation.)     (a)     In  every  building  hereafter 
erected  for  or  converted  to  the  purposes  of  this  class,  courts  shall  be  of  the  mini- 
mum widths  and  areas  prescribed  in  Section  442  of  this  chapter,  and  vent  shafts  as 
defined  in  Section  432  of  this  chapter,  shall  be  of  the  following  minimum  width  and 
areas: 

Height  of  Shaft—  Least  Width  in  Feet,         Square  Feet. 

1  story 3  21 

2  stories 3  22% 

3  stories 3  27 

4  stories 36 

5  stories 5  48 

6  stories 6  72 

7  stories 8  96 

8  or  more  stories 8  120 

(b)  In  every  building  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  purposes  of 
this  class,  every  room  used  as  a  private  sitting  room  or  as  a  sleeping  room,  shall 
have  at  least  one  window  which  opens  directly  upon  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court. 
The  total  glass  area  of  such  window  or  windows  opening  directly  upon  a  street,  alley, 
yard  or  court  shall  be  not  less  than  one-tenth  of  the  floor  area  of  such  room.  The  top 
of  at  least  one  such  window  shall  be  at  least  seven  feet  above  the  floor  and  at  least 
the  upper  half  of  such  window  shall  be  capable  of  being  opened.  No  such  window  shall 
have  a  glass  area  of  less  than  ten  square  feet  unless  it  be  a  window  in  excess  of 
the  one-tenth  of  the  floor  area  as  required  by  this  paragraph.  Provided  that  sleep- 
ing cells  in  prisons,  jails,  police  stations  and  houses  of  detention  need  not  have 
each  a  window  opening  directly  on  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court  if  such  cells  are 


28  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

in  a  cell  block  which  has  windows  with  a  glass  area  equal  to  one-fourth  of  the 
floor  area  of  such  block  and  arranged  so  that  each  window  may  be  opened  for 
one-half  of  its  area,  and  provided  further  that  such  cell  block  and  cells  shall  be 
equipped  with  a  system  of  mechanical  ventilation  approved  by  the  Commissioner 
of  flealth. 

(c)  In  every  building  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  purposes   of 
this  class,  every  pantry,  bath  room  and  water  closet  and  urinal  compartment  shall 
have  at  least  one  window  which  opens  directly  upon  a  street,  alley,  yard,  court  or 
vent   shaft;    the   total   glass   area   of   such   window   or   windows   opening   directly 
upon  a  street,  alley,  yard,  court  or  vent  shaft  shall  be  not  less  than  one-tenth  of 
the  floor  area  of  such  room  or  compartment.  The  top  of  at  least  one  such  window 
shall  be  at  least  seven  feet  above  the  floor  and  at  least  the  upper  half  of  such 
window  shall  be  capable  of  being  opened;  and  no  such  window  shall  have  a  glass 
area  of  less  than  six  square  feet  or  a  glass  width  of  less  than  one  foot;  provided* 
however,  that  such  room  or  compartment,  if  located  in   the  upper  story   of  any 
such  building,   may  be   lighted  and  ventilated  by  means  of  a   skylight   having  a 
glass   area   equal  to   one-tenth  of   the   floor   area   of   the   room   it   serves   and   be 
equipped  with  an  efficient  ventilator  or  ventilators  equal  in  effective  area  to  one- 
twentieth  of  the  floor  area  of  such  room;  and  provided  further,  that  any  such 
room  or  compartment  in  a  building  used  for  office,  club  or  hotel  purposes,  in  lieu 
of  such  window  or  windows,  may  be  ventilated  by  an  approved  mechanical  venti- 
lating system  which  shall  effect  at  least  six  complete  changes  of  "air  per  hour. 

(d)  In  every  building  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  office,  hotel   or 
club  purposes,  every  room,  except  a  room  used  as  a  bakery,  which  is  below  street 
grade  and  which  is  frequented  by  the  public  or  in  which  there  are  regularly  em- 
ployed five  or  more  persons,  shall  be  ventilated  by  an  approved  mechanical  ven- 
tilating system  which  shall  effect  at  least  six  complete  changes  of  air  per  hour; 
provided  that  in  case  of  store  rooms  below  street  grade  having  1,500  cubic  feet  of 
space  per  person  employed  therein,  two  changes  of  air  per  hour  will  be  deemed 
sufficient.    In  buildings  of  this  class  every  room,  either  above  or  below  grade,  used 
as  a  bakery,  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of  the  ordinances   of  the   City  of 
Chicago  in  respect  to  bakeries. 

(e)  In  every  building  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  purposes  of 
this  class,  every  room  not  otherwise  specifically  provided  for  in  this  section  shall, 
where  practicable,  have  a  window  or  windows,  with  a  total  glass  area  not  less  than 
one-tenth  of  the  floor  area  of  such  room,  opening  directly  onto  a  street,  alley,  yard 
or  court,  and  no  such  window  shall  have  a  width  of  less  than  one  foot  or  a  total 
glass  area  of  less  than  ten  square  feet,  unless  such  window  is  in  excess  of  the  ten 
per  cent  of  floor  area  requirement;  provided  that,  if  it  be  impracticable  to  ventilate 
any  such  room  by  windows  as  aforesaid,  such  rooms  shall  be  ventilated  by  an  ap- 
proved   mechanical    ventilating   system   which    shall    effect   at   least   six    complete 
changes  of  air  per  hour;  the  air  supply  being  taken  from  the  outer  air  at  a  point 
not  less  than  ten  feet  above  the  street  level. 

(f)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  owner,  agent,  architect,  or  party  in  possession 
or  control  of  any  building  in  which  a  mechanical  system  of  ventilation  shall  have 
been  installed  under  the  requirements  of  this  section,  upon  completion  of  such  sys- 
tem, to  notify  the  Commissioner  of  Health  in  writing  at  least  twenty-four  hours  in 
be  tested  for  volumetric  efficiency  by  the  owner  or  his  representative  in  the  pres- 
advance  of  the  making  of  a  test  of  such  system;  and  each  such  system  or  unit  shall 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  29 

ence  of  the  representative  of  the  Commissioner  of  Health  and  such  system  shall  not 
be  considered  as  meeting  the  requirements  of  this  section  until  it  shall  have  been 
approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Health.  Every  such  mechanical  ventilating  sys- 
tem shall  at  all  times  be  kept  in  good  repair  and  in  operation  so  as  to  insure  the 
required  ventilation  of  all  rooms  and  compartments  planned  to  be  ventilated  there- 
by, during  all  hours  of  human  occupancy. 

CLASS  iia. 

257.  Class  Ha  Defined.)     In  Class  Ha   shall  be  included  every  building  used 
for  office  purposes,  and  also  every  building  used   for  club  house   purposes  where 
sleeping  accommodations  are  provided  for  less  than  twenty  persons. 

258.  Buildings — Construction   of— Height   of.)      (a)      Buildings    of   Class  Ha 
which  are  ninety  feet  or  more  in  height  shall  be  built  entirely  of  fireproof  con- 
struction. 

(b)  Buildings  of  Class  Iia  less  than  ninety  feet  and  more  than  fifty  feet  in 
height  shall  be  built  either  of  slow-burning,  mill  or  fireproof  construction. 

(c)  Buildings  of  Class  Iia  not  exceeding  fifty  feet  in  height  may  be  built 
of  ordinary  construction. 

CLASS  lib. 

259.  Class  lib  Defined.)     In  Class  lib  shall  be  included  every  building  used 
for  hotel,  club,  lodging  or  rooming  house  purposes  where  such,  building  has  sleeping 
accommodations  for  twenty  or  more  persons. 

260.  Buildings— Construction    of— Height    of.)      (a)      Buildings    of   Class   lib 
more  than  five  stories  and  basement  high  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction. 

(b)  Buildings  of  Class  lib  more  than  three  stories  and  basement  high  but 
not  more  than  five  stories  and  basement  high  shall  be  of  slow  burning  or  fireproof 
construction.  In  case  slow  burning  construction  be  required  the  cellar  and  base- 
ment construction,  including  the  floor  construction  of  the  first  story  above  the 
cellar  or  basement,  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction. 

261.  Walls — Divisions  and  Partitions — Fire  Stops.)     (a)  In  buildings  hereafter 
erected  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  lib   of   ordinary,  slow- 
burning  or  mill  construction,  there  shall  be  for  every  eight  rooms  in  any  one  story, 
dividing  walls  or  partitions  of  incombustible  material  separating  such  eight  rooms 
from  the  contiguous  spaces. 

(b)  In  all  buildings  hereafter  erected  to  be  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  pur- 
poses of  Class  lib,  all  elevators  and  stairs1  shall  be  enclosed  in  partitions  of  incom- 
bustible or  fireproof  material,  and  the  partitions  of  all  corridors  leading  to  such 
elevators  and  stairs  shall  be  of  fireproof  or  incombustible  material.    Such  partitions 
shall  be  carried  on  self-supporting  masonry  or  a  frame  work  of  steel  or  iron.  Where 
glass  is  used  in  said  partitions,  the  same  shall  be  wired  glass  set  in  metal  frames 
but  such  glass  shall  not  exceed  sixty  per  centum  of  the  superficial  area  of  said 
partitions. 

(c)  In  all  non-fireproof  buildings  of  Class  lib  there   shall  be  between  joists 
a  stop  of  brick,  concrete  or  tile  not  less  than  four  inches  in  thickness,  extending  the 
full  height  of  joists  and  spaced  not  more  than  twenty-five  feet  apart,  measured  in 
the  direction  of  the  length  of  the  joist. 

262.    Sleeping  Stalls  in  Rooms— When  Allowed.)     Sleeping  stalls  shall  not  be 


30  CITY    OF   CHICAGO 

constructed  or  used  in  any  room  in  any  building  now  existing  or  hereafter  erected 
and  devoted,  in  whole  or  in  part,  to  the  purpose  of  a  lodging  or  rooming  house 
unless  such  room  has  two  or  more  windows  which  open  directly  upon  a  street, 
alley*  yard  or  court  and  which  windows  have  a  total  area  equal  to  at  least  one- 
tenth  of  the  floor  area  of  such  room,  nor  unless  the  semi-partitions  forming  such 
stalls  are  so  constructed  that  there  is  a  clear  and  unobstructed  interval  of  at  least 
thirty  inches  between  the  top  of  such  semi-partitions  and  the  ceiling  of  the  room, 
nor  unless  each  such  stall  shall  open  directly  into  an  aisle  or  passageway  leading 
directly  to  a  stairway  or  stairway  fire  escape,  the  location  of  which  is  indicated 
by  a  red  sign  and  at  night  by  a  red  light  also.  Such  sleeping  stalls  shall  not  be 
installed  in  any  such  room  in  such  numbers  that  there  shall  be  less  than  400 
cubic  feet  of  air  per  person  when  all  stalls  are  occupied  to  their  full  capacity.  The 
semi-partitions  forming  such  stalls  hereafter  constructed  shall  be  of  incom- 
bustible material. 

CLASS  nc. 

263.  Class  He  Defined.)  In  Class  lie  shall  be  included  every  building  used  for 
a  hospital,  for  housing  the  sick  and  infirm,  imbeciles  or  children  and  also  every 
jail,  police  station,  asylum,  house  of  correction  and  detention  and  also  every 
home  for  the  aged  and  decrepit,  where  sleeping  accommodations  are  provided  for 
more  than  ten  persons. 

*264.  Buildings — Construction  of — Height  of.)  (a)  All  buildings  of  Class  lie 
more  than  two  stories  in  height  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  purposes 
of  Class  lie  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction,  except  that  buildings  erected  for  or 
converted  to  the  use  of  police  stations  for  temporary  purposes  may  be  of  mill  or 
slow-burning  construction. 

(b)  Buildings  of  Class  He  not  more  than  two  stories  in  height  may  be  of 
ordinary,  mill  or  slow  burning  construction. 

265.  Frontage  Consents  for  Hospitals.)  (a)  It  shall  hereafter  be  unlawful 
for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  erect  or  locate  any  hospital  for  the  care, 
treatment  or  nursing  of  two  or  more  insane  persons,  inebriates  or  epileptics,  or  two 
or  more  persons  suffering  from  the  excessive  use  of  alcoholic  liquors,  morphine, 
cocaine,  or  other  similar  drugs  or  narcotics,  or  for  the  treatment  or  nursing  of  any 
person  or  persons  affected  with  any  contagious  disease  or  diseases,  in  any  block 
in  which  two-thirds  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the  streets  or  avenues  sur- 
rounding said  block  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  unless  the  written 
consent  for  the  erection  and  maintenance  of  said  hospital  is  secured  from  the 
owners  of  the  majority  of  the  frontage  on  both  sides  of  that  portion  of  all  streets 
or  avenues  which  surround  the  square  in  which  said  hospital  is  to  be  located. 

(b)  Said  written  consents,  when  required  by  this  section,  shall  be  filed  with 
the  Commissioner  of  fBuildings  before  a  permit  shall  be  issued  for  the  erection  or  al- 
teration of  a  building  proposed  to  be  used  for  hospital  purposes,  and  a  copy  thereof 


*As  amended  May  15,  1911.  See  page  177, -Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 

fNote.— An  ordinance  passed  January  9,  1911  (page  3409,  Journal  of  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  City  Council),  requires  such  written  consents  to  be  filed  with  the 
Commissioner  of  Health.  See  Sections  265  and  1219  of  The  Chicago  Code  of 
1911. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  31 

shall  he  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Health  before  he  shall  recommend  that  any 
license  be  issued  by  the  City  for  such  hospital. 

266.  Coves  in  Rooms  and  Corridors  of  Hospitals.)    In  every  building  hereafter 
constructed  for  or  converted  to  hospital  purposes,  in  all  corridors  and  rooms  used 
,>y   patients,   all  intersections   of  walls,  floors  and   ceilings   shall  be  formed    with 
tangent  coves. 

267.  Elevators  in   Hospitals.)     Every    building  over    three   stories    in   height 
hereafter  constructed  for  or  converted  to  hospital  purposes  shall  have  at  least  one 
elevator,  the  floor  dimensions  of  which  shall  be  not  less  than  seven  feet  by  five  feet, 
and  said  elevator  shall  be  enclosed  in  a  fireproof  shaft  with  incombustible  doors 
closing  off  each  opening  and  shall  comply  with  all  the  general  provisions  of  this 
chapter. 

268.  Fire  Escapes,  Balconies,  Platforms.)     All  buildings  of  Class  lie  shall  be 
equipped  with  stairway  fire  escapes  not  less  than  three  feet  in  width  which  shall, 
in  number,  location  and  structural  features,  comply  with  the  general  provisions  of 
this  chapter  relating  to  fire  escapes.    The  balconies  and  platforms  of  such  fire  escapes 
shall  be  not  less  than  three  feet  in  width  and  may  be  mada  with  a  smooth  surface 
of  incombustible  material  laid  flush  with  the  floor  and  with  a  pitch  of  one-third 
inch  to  the  foot. 

269.  Standpipes  and  Portable  Hand  Pumps.)     (a)  On  each  floor  of  every  build- 
ing used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  lie  there  shall  be  provided,  for  each  two  thousand 
square  feet  of  floor  area  or  fractional  part  thereof,  at  least  one  portable  hand  pump 
of  three  gallon  capacity  or  one  chemical  extinguisher  of  equal  capacity,  which  shall 
be  located  and  maintained  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

(b)  In  every  building  more  than  three  stories  in  height  hereafter  erected  for 
or  converted  to  the  purposes  of  Class  lie  there  shall  be  constructed  one  or  more 
four-inch  stand  pipes  which  shall  extend  from  the  basement  to  the  roof  and  which 
shall  be  connected  with  the  house  pump  and  house  tank  and  which  shall  have 
a  Siamese  connection  located  on  the  street  or  alley  side  of  such  building  for  the 
use  of  the  fire  department.  Each  stand  pipe  shall  be  provided  with  one  hose 
connection  with  fire  department  thread  on  the  roof  of  said  building,  and  one  con- 
nection on  each  floor  and  in  the  basement  thereof,  with  sufficient  hose  attached  on 
each  floor  and  in  the  basement  so  that  a  stream  of  water  therefrom  will  reach  any 
point  thereof.  The  pattern,  quality,  installation  and  maintenance  of  such  stand 
pipes,  hose  and  connections  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 


ARTICLE    VI. 

CLASS    III. 

270.  Class  III  Defined.)  (a)  In  Class  III  shall  be  included  every  building 
used  as  a  family  residence,  and  also  every  building  used  for  garage  or  stabling 
purposes  and  having  a  ground  area  of  less  than  500  square  feet. 

270%.  Must  Comply  With  General  and  Special  Provisions.)  Every  building 
of  Class  III  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  and,  in  addition  to  the 
general  provisions,  shall  comply  with  the  following  special  provisions: 

*271.    Buildings — Construction   of — Height    of — Space    Occupied    on   Lot.)     (a) 


*As  amended  December  18,  1911.     See  page  2090,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings 
of  the  City  Council. 


32  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

Every  building  of  Class  III  which  is  ninety  feet  or  more  in  height  shall  be  built 
entirely  of  fireproof  construction. 

(b)  Every  building  of   Class   III  less  than  ninety  feet  and   more   than  fifty 
feet  in  height  shall  be  built  entirely  of  slow-burning,  mill  or  fireproof  construction. 

(c)  Every  building  of  Class  III  less  than  fifty  feet  in  height  may  be  built  of 
ordinary   construction. 

(d)  The   amount   of  space   occupied  on  any   lot  by  Class   III  buildings  shall 
comply  with  the  requirements  of  Section  440  of  this  chapter. 

(e)  Buildings  used  for  garage  purposes  only,  having  a  ground  area  of  four 
hundred    (400)    square   feet   or  less,   may   be  built  with  enclosing  walls   and  roof 
of  corrugated  iron  or  galvanized  sheet  steel   supported  on   a   frame   of  steel   con- 
struction. 

272.  Skylights — Construction  of — Glass   in.)      (a)      The    skylight  on   the   roof 
of  every  building  of  Class  III  erected  within  the  fire  limits  shall   have  its   sides, 
sashes   and   frames   constructed  of   metal   or   of   metal-clad   wood   on    all    exterior 
surfaces. 

(b)  Such  skylights  shall  be  covered  by  a  strong  wire  netting  with  mesh  not 
more  than  one  and  one-half  inches  square  placed  not  less  than  six  inches  above  the 
glass,  supported  on  uprights  of  incombustible  material,  unless  wired  glass  is  used. 

273.  Allowance  of  Live  Loads  in  Construction  of  Floors.)     In  every  building 
of  Class  III,  the  floors  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such  manner  as  to  be 
capable  of  bearing  in  all  their  parts,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  the  floor  construc- 
tion, partitions,  permanent  fixtures   and   mechanisms  that   may   be   set   upon   the 
same,  a  live  load  of  40  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  surface. 

*274.  Habitable  Rooms — Definition  of — Requirements  as  to  Size  and  Ventilation.) 
(a)  For  the  purposes  of  this  chapter  the  term  "habitable  room"  shall  be  held  to 
include  every  room  in  every  building  of  Classes  III  and  VI,  and  every  room  in  build- 
ings of  other  classes  if  such  rooms  are  used  for  the  purposes  of  Classes  III  and  VI, 
in  which  a  family  or  the  individual  members  thereof  regularly  sleep  or  eat  or  carry 
on  their  usual  domestic  or  social  vocations  or  avocations.  Laundries,  bath  rooms, 
water  closet  compartments,  serving  and  storage  pantries,  storage  rooms  and  closets, 
boiler  and  machinery  rooms,  cellars,  corridors,  and  similar  spaces  used  neither  fre- 
quently nor  during  extended  periods,  shall  not  be  deemed  as  coming  within  the 
scope  of  this  term. 

(b)  In  every  building  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  purposes  of 
Class  III,  every  habitable  room  shall  have  a  window  or  windows  with  a  total  glass 
area  equal  to  at  least  one-tenth  of  its  floor  area,  opening  onto  a  street,  alley,  or 
yard,  as  defined  in  Section  432  of  this  Chapter;  provided,  that  there  shall  be  a 
space  of  at  least  three  feet  between  the  building  and  the  lot  line  on  one  side,  and  a 
space  of  at  least  one  foot  between  the  building  and  the  lot  line  on  the  other  side. 
None  of  such  required  windows  shall  have  a  glass  area  of  less  than  ten  square 
feet;  and  each  such  window  shall  have  its  top  not  less  than  seven  feet  above  the 
floor  and  shall  be  so  constructed  that  at  least  its  upper  half  may  be  opened  its 
full  width.  No  such  habitable  room  shall  have  a  floor  area  of  less  than  eighty 
square  feet,  nor  a  clear  height  from  floor  to  ceiling  of  less  than  eight  feet  and 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.    See  page  3988,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  33 

six  inches;  provided,  that  attic  rooms  need  not  be  eight  feet  six  inches  high  for 
more  than  one-half  of  their  area,  and  that  such  attic  rooms  shall  have  total 
cubic  contents  of  not  less  than  seven  hundred  and  fifty  cubic  feet  each. 

(c)  No,  living  room  shall  be  partitioned  off  or  constructed  in  any  existing 
building  or  portion  thereof,  until  plans  of  such  building  and  room  have  been  filed 
with,  and  a  permit  for  such  partitioning  or  constructing  obtained  from  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  and  the  Commissioner  of  Health;  and  every  room  so  partitioned 
off  or  constructed  shall  comply  with  all  the  requirements  for  habitable  rooms  as 
contained  in  this  section. 

275.  Alcoves.)     Every  alcove  and  alcove  room  shall  comply  with  the  require- 
ments of  Section  446  of  this  chapter. 

276.  Pantries,  Bath  Rooms,  Water  Closet  and  Urinal  Compartments— Require- 
ments in  Relation  Thereto.)     In  every  building  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted 
to  the  purposes  of  Class  III,  every  pantry,  bath  room,  water  closet  or  urinal  com- 
partment shall  have  at  least  one  window  with  a  glass  area  of  at  least  six  square 
feet  and  a  minimum  width  of  at  least  one  foot  opening  upon  a  street,  alley,  or  yard 
as  defined  in  Section  432  of  this  chapter,  or  upon  a  vent  shaft  not  less  in  area  than 
said  window;  and  no  habitable  room  shall  open  into  or  connectf  with  a  vent  shaft 
thus  used. 

277.  Bay  Windows  and  Light  Shafts — Materials  For.)     Bay  or  oriel  windows 
may  be  built  of  combustible  material  on  front  or  rear  elevations  of  buildings  of 
Class  III  of  two  stories  or  less  in  height,  within  the  fire  limits,  provided  such  bay 
and  oriel  windows  shall  not  have  a  greater  width  than  twelve  feet  at  the  wall  line 
of  the  building,  and,  provided,  that  the  outside  walls,  roofs  and  soffits  of  such  bay 
or  oriel  windows,  when  so  constructed,  shall  be  covered  with  sheet  metal  or  other 
incombustible  material.    Light  shafts  wholly  within  the  walls  of  a  two-story  build- 
ing of  Class  III  may  be  built  of  combustible  material  covered  with  sheet  metal  or 
other  incombustible  material.     In  all  other  cases  bay  and  oriel  windows  and  light 
shafts  and  their  supports  shall  be  constructed  entirely  of  incombustible  material. 

278.  Walls— Brick  Walls  Upon  Wooden  Sills— Level  of  Sills  Allowed.)     Every 
building  of  Class  III  not  exceeding  one  story  or  twenty  Feet  in  height  from  top 
of  sills  to  the  highest  point  of  the  roof,  and  with  the  side  walls  not  exceeding  four- 
teen feet  in  height,  and  with  floor  area  not  exceeding  twelve  hundred  square  feet, 
may  have  brick  walls  not  less  than  eight  inches  in  thickness  erected  upon  wooden 
sills,  the  sills  supported   on  iron,   masonry,  or   concrete    supports   extending  four 
feet  below  the  surface  of  the  ground,  provided  that  the  portion  of  the  supports  above 
the  ground  may  consist  of  cypress  or  cedar  posts.    The  foundations  under  such  sup- 
ports shall  be  of  concrete,  stone  or  brick,  each  covering  not  less  than  five  square 
feet  area  and  not  more  than  eight  feet  apart,  to  support  with  safety  the  weight 
that  may  rest  upon  them;  sills  shall  be  placed  not  higher  than  four  feet  above  the 
established  grade  of  the  street  upon  which  the  lot  fronts  and  upon  which  lot  the 
building  is  erected,  where  grades  are  established,  and  not  exceeding  seven  feet  above 
the  ground  where  grades  are  not  established.     Every  building  more  than  one  story 
and  less  than  two  stories  high,  having  a  gable  or  hip  roof  with  a  rise  of  not  more 
than  thirty  degrees,  may  have  eight-inch  walls  of  solid  brick   or   stone  masonry, 
provided  the  side  walls  do  not  exceed  fourteen  feet  in  height  measured  from  the  first 
floor  joist,  and  provided  such   building  has  a  floor  area  not   exceeding   1,200   feet 
and  is  not  over  22  feet  in  width. 


34  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

279.  Stairways  in  Buildings  of  Class  III  Hereafter  Erected  Three  Stories  or 
More  in  Height.)     In  every  building  of  Class  III  hereafter  erected,  and  three  stories 
or  more  in  height,  there  shall  be  either  two  stairways  from  the  first  to  the  top 
story  or  one  such  stairway  and  a  fire  escape. 

ARTICLE   VII. 

CLASS     IV. 

280.  Class  IV  Defined.)      (a)     In   Class  IV   shall  be   included   every  building 
referred  to  in  subdivisions  Class  IVa,  Class  IVb,  Class  IVc  and  Class  IVd,  as  fol- 
lows: 

(b)  In  Class  IVa  shall  be  included  every  building  used  as  a  church  or  place 
of  worship. 

(c)  In  Class  IVb  shall  be  included  every  building  having  a  parish  hall,  lodge 
hall,  dance  hall,  banquet  hall,  skating  rink,  assembly  hall,  halls  used  for  the  purpose 
of  exposition  and  exhibition  and  buildings  having  a  hall  for  the  purpose  of  instruc- 
tion, other  than  schools,  included  in  Class  VIII,  and  also  every  existing  building 
having  a  hall  usec^  for  theatrical  purposes  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordi- 
nance, except  such  buildings  as  are  included  in  Classes  IVa,  IVc,  IVd,  and  V. 

(d)  Class  IVc  shall  include  every  building  hereafter  erected  used  for  moving 
picture  and  vaudeville   shows  and  similar  entertainments,  where  an  admission  fee 
is  charged  and  regular  performances  are  given,  and  where  the  seating  capacity  does 
not  exceed  three  hundred;   provided,  that  every  building  of  Class  IVc  existing  at 
the   time   of  the   passage   of  this   ordinance  shall   comply   with   the  provisions   of 
Class  IVb. 

(e)  In  Class  IVd  shall  be  included  every  grandstand  and  every  baseball,  athletic 
and  amusement  park. 

281.  Must  Comply  with  General  and  Special  Provisions.)     Every  building  or 
structure  of  Class  IV  shall  comply  with  the  general  provisions  of  this  chapter  and 
shall,  in  addition,  comply  with  the  following  special  provisions: 

282.  Must  Comply  With  All  Ordinances.)    It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person, 
firm  or  corporation,  to  construct  or  alter  any  theatre,  except  in  conformity  with 
the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago  relative  thereto,  or  to  operate  any  theatre 
that  does  not  conform  thereto. 

283.  City  Officials  Empowered  to   Enter.)     The  Commissioner  of  Buildings, 
Commissioner  of  Health,  City  Electrician,  Fire  Marshal,  Superintendent  of  Police, 
and  their  respective  assistants,  shall  have  the  right  to  enter  any  building  used  in 
whole  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IV  at  any  reasonable  time,  and  at  any 
time  when  occupied  by  the  public,  in  order  to  examine  such  building,  and  it  shall 
be  unlawful  for  any  person  to  interfere  with  them  in  the  performance  of  their  duties. 

284.  City  Officials  Empowered  to    Close.)      The   Commissioner   of  Buildings, 
Commissioner  of  Health,  Fire  Marshal,  City  Electrician,  or  Superintendent  of  Po- 
lice, or  any  one  of  them,  shall  have  the  power,  and  it  shall  be  their  joint  and  sev- 
eral duty,  to  order  any  building  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
IV,  to  be  closed,  where  it  is  discovered  that  there  is  any  violation  of  any  of  the 
provisions  of  this  chapter,  and  kept  closed  until  the  same  are  complied  with. 

285.  Theatres  in  Frame  Buildings  Prohibited.)     On  and  after  June  1,  1911, 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  35 

no  frame  building  or  part  thereof  shall  be  used  as  a  moving  picture,  vaudeville  or 
other  theatre. 

286.  Buildings— Height— Construction— When   Used    in    Part    as    Class    IV.) 
Every  building  higher  than  sixty  feet,  used  in  whole  or  in  part  for  the  purposes 
of  Class  IV  or  connected  with  or  made  part  of  any  building  so  used,  shall  be  en- 
tirely of  fireproof  construction.    Every  such  building  less  than  sixty  feet  in  height 
shall  be  made  of  fireproof,  slow-burning  or  mill  construction,  except  as  provided  in 
this  chapter. 

CLASS  iva. 

287.  Class  IVa  Defined.)     In  Class  IVa  shall  be  included  every  building  used 
as  a  church  or  place  of  worship. 

288.  Frontage — Seating  Less  than  Eight  Hundred.)  Every  building  of  Class  IVa 
hereafter  erected  containing  an  aggregate  seating  capacity  of  800  persons  or  less, 
shall  have  for  the  auditorium  a  frontage  upon  two  open  spaces,  of  which  at  least 
one  shall  be  a  street,  and  the  other,  if  not  a  street,  shall  be  a  public  or  private  alley, 
not  less  than  ten  feet  wide,  opening  directly  on  a  public  street  or  alley. 

289.  Frontage — Seating  Over  Eight  Hundred.)     Every  building  of  Class  IVa 
hereafter  erected  containing  an  aggregate  seating  capacity  greater  than  eight  hun- 
dred persons,'  shall  have  for  the  auditorium  a  frontage  upon  three  open  spaces  of 
which  at  least  one  shall  be  a  public  street  and  the  others,  if  not  streets,  shall  be 
public  or  private  alleys  of  a  width  of  not  less  than  ten  feet  each,  opening  directly 
on  a  public  street  or  alley. 

290.  Construction  of.)     (a)  Every  building  of  Class  IVa,  which  has  a  seating 
capacity  of  less  than  600  may  be  built  of  ordinary  construction.     Every  building  of 
Class  IVa  having  a  seating  capacity  of  more  than  600  and  less  than  1,800  shall  be 
built  of  slow-burning,  mill  or  fireproof  construction. 

(b)  Every  building  of  Class  IVa  having  an  aggregate  seating  capacity  greater 
than  1,800  persons  shall  be  built  of  fireproof  construction. 

291.  Limitations  of  Floor  Level  in  Class  IVa — Height  Above  Sidewalk.)     (a) 

The  limitations  of  floor  levels  in  buildings  hereafter  erected,  occupied  either  wholly 
or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVa,  shall  be  as  follows : 

(b)  No  auditorium  of  a  greater  seating  capacity  than  1,000,  shall  have  the 
highest  part  of  its  main  floor  at  a  greater  distance  than  10  feet  above  the  adjacent 
sidewalk  grade.  No  room  or  rooms  having  a  greater  seating  capacity  than  five 
hundred  shall  be  at  a  greater  distance  above  the  sidewalk  grade  than  twenty  feet. 
No  room  or  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVa  having  a  greater  seating  ^ca- 
pacity than  two  hundred  shall  be  at  a  higher  level  above  the  sidewalk  grade  than 
thirty  feet;  provided,  however,  that  in  the  case  of  a  building  used  either  wholly 
or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVa,  and  built  of  fireproof  construction,  a  room 
or  rooms  to  be  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVa  and  of  an  aggregate  seating  ca- 
pacity of  less  than  five  hundred  may  be  located  in  any  story  thereof,  but  in  such 
case,  there  shall  be  at  least  two  separate  and  distinct  flights  of  stairs  from  the 
floor  or  floors  in  which  such  room  or  rooms  are  located,  to  the  ground,  each  of  which 
stairs  shall  be  not  less  than  4  feet  wide  in  the  clear  and  shall  be  equipped  with 
emergency  exits  and  not  less  than  one  stairway  fire  escape. 

292.  Allowance  for  Live  Loads  in  Construction  of  Floors  of  Buildings  of  Class 
IVa— Stairways— Entrances  and   Exits,   Width   of.)     Every   floor  in  buildings   of 


36  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

Class  IVa  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  capable  of 
bearing  in  all  its  parts,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  floor  construction,  partitions, 
and  permanent  fixtures  that  may  be  set  upon  same,  a  live  load  of  100  pounds  for 
every  square  foot  of  surface  on  such  floor.  The  width  of  stairways  in  buildings  of 
this  class  shall  be  twenty  inches  for  every  one  hundred  of  the  aggregate  seating 
capacity,  and  for  fractional  parts  of  one  hundred  seating  capacity,  a  proportionate 
part  of  twenty  inches  shall  be  added  to  the  width  of  such  stairway,  but  no  stairway 
in  such  building  shall  be  less  than  four  feet  wide  in  the  clear,  except  as  hereinafter 
provided,  and  provided  further,  that  in  any  such  building  having  a  gallery,  the  seat- 
ing capacity  of  which  does  not  exceed  two  hundred  and  fifty  persons,  two  separate 
and  distinct  stairways,  each  not  less  than  three  feet  wide,  shall  be  permitted. 

293.  Galleries — Exit  and  Entrance.)  Distinct  and  separate  exits  shall  be  pro- 
vided for  each  gallery.  A  common  place  of  exit  and  entrance  may  serve  for  the 
main  floor  of  the  auditorium  and  the  gallery  or  galleries,  provided  its  capacity  be 
equal  to  the  aggregate  capacity  of  all  aisles  or  corridors  leading  from  the  main 
floor  and  such  gallery  or  galleries  to  such  place  of  exit  or  entrance.  Not  more  than 
two  galleries,  placed  one  above  the  other,  shall  be  permitted  in  any  building  of 
Class  IVa. 

*294.  Stairways — Aisles — Steps  in  Aisles — Passageways,  Kept  Unobstructed.) 
(a)  Aisles  in  buildings  of  Class  IVa  shall,  in  the  aggregate,  be  eighteen  inches  in 
width  for  each  100  of  the  seating  capacity  of  the  auditorium,  and  for  fractional 
parts  of  100,  a  proportionate  part  of  18  inches  shall  be  added,  but  no  aisle  shall  be 
less  than  two  feet  six  inches  in  width  in  its  narrowest  part.  Steps  shall  be  permitted 
in  aisles  only  as  extending  from  bank  to  bank  of  seats,  and  wherever  the 
rise  from  bank  to  bank  of  seats  is  less  than  five  inches,  the  floor  of  the  aisles  shall 
be  made  on  an  inclined  plane;  and  where  steps  occur  in  outside  aisles  or  corridors, 
they  shall  not  be  isolated,  but  shall  be  grouped  together,  and  there  shall  be  a  light 
so  placed  as  to  illuminate  such  steps,  in  such  outside  aisles  or  corridors.  All 
aisles  and  passageways  shall  be  kept  free  from  all  portable  furniture  and  other 
obstructions,  and  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  stand  in  or  occupy  any  of  such 
aisles  or  passageways  during  the  services. 

(b)  [Repealed  February  20,  1911,  pages  3992  and  3993,  Journal  of  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  City  Council.] 

295.  Corridors,  Passageways,  Hallways  and  Doors— Width  of.)     The  width  of 
corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doors,  adjacent  to,  connected  with,  or  a  part 
of  the  auditorium,  shall  be  computed  in  the  same  manner  as  is  herein  provided  for 
stairways   and  aisles,  excepting,   however,  that  no   such   corridor,  passageway   or 
hallway  shall  be  less  than  four  feet  in  width,  and  no  such  doorway  shall  be  less 
Oian  three  feet  in  width. 

296.  Seats,  Number  of,  in  Rows.)     There  shall  not  be   more   than   fourteen 
seats  in  any  one  row  between  aisles.  Rows  of  seats  shall  not  be  less  than  two 
feet  eight  inches  from  back  to  back,  and   no  bank   of   seats  shall  be   of  greater 
rise  than  twenty  inches. 

297.  ^  Emergency  Exits— All  Doors  to  Open  Outward.)      (a)     Emergency  exits 
and  outside  stairways  shall  be  provided  for  every  building  of  Class  IVa,  which  has 
a  larger  seating  capacity  than   800.     Such  emergency  exits  shall  be  one-half  the 

*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3992,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  37 

aggregate  width  of  the  main  exits,  but  no  such  emergency  exits  shall  be  less  than 
three  feet  in  width.  Provided,  that  such  stairways  may  be  built  inside  the  walls 
of  the  building  in  a  corridor  or  passageway  not  less  than  seven  feet  wide  and 
enclosed  by  a  fireproof  partition  not  less  than  four  inches  thick.  Such  stairway 
shall  be  of  fireproof  construction.  All  emergency  exits  and  stairways  therefrom 
shall  be  kept  free  from  obstructions  of  any  kind  including  snow  and  ice. 

(b)  All  doors  affording  egress,  directly  or  indirectly  from  the  auditorium  to 
a  street  or  alley,  shall  open  outward.  Exit  doors  shall  not  be  obscured  by  drap- 
eries and  shall  not  be  locked  or  fastened  in  any  manner  during  the  time  that  the 
building  is  occupied,  and  shall  be  so  constructed  and  maintained  that  they  may  be 
easily  opened  from  within. 

298.  Buildings  in  Which  Seats  are  Not  Fixed — Seating  Capacity.)    In  comput- 
ing the  seating  capacity  of  any  room  or  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  this 
class  in  which  the  seats  are  not  fixed,  an  allowance  of  six  square   feet  of  floor 
area  shall  be  made  for  each  person,  and  all  space  between  the  walls  or  partitions 
of  such  room  or  building  shall  be  measured  in  this  computation.     Provided,  that 
in  buildings   of  Class  IVa  standing  at  least   seven  feet   from  any  other  building 
and   not  having  more  than   two   stories  and   each   floor  having  its   own   separate 
exits,  the  seating  capacity  of  such  floor  shall  be  estimated  alone  as  determining 
the  kind  of  construction  under  this  article. 

299.  Every  Portion  to  Be  Lighted  When  Occupied  at  Night— Flues.)     Every 
portion  of  a  building  of  Class  IVa  and  all  outlets  therefrom  leading  to  streets  or 
spaces  connected  therewith,  including  the  vestibules,  halls,  corridors,  passageways, 
and  stairway  exits,  shall  be  properly  lighted  whenever  occupied  between  sunset  and 
sunrise,  and  the  same  shall  be  kept  so  lighted  until  the  entire  audience  have  left 
the  premises;  and  every  passageway,  corridor,  stairway  and  exit  shall  be  provided 
with  a  sign  indicating  the  way  out  of  the  building,  the  letters  of  which  shall  not 
be  less  than  six  inches  in  height.     All  lights  indicating  exits  in  vestibules,  halls, 
passageways,  corridors  or  other  means  of  egress  from  the  building  shall  be  con- 
trolled  by   a   separate    shut-off,   located   near   the    main   entrance,    and   controlled 
only   in   that  particular  place.     A  red  light   furnished  by  gas  or  sperm  oil  shall 
be   kept  burning,  in  connection    with  the   word   "Exit"   over   every   such  opening, 
during   the    entire    time    such    building    is    occupied   between    sunset    and   sunrise. 
Flues  used  to  carry  off  heat  from  open  lights  shall  be  of  incombustible  material, 
and  shall  have  at  least  twelve  inches  clearance  from  any  combustible  material. 

300.  Class  IVb  Defined.)     In  Class  IVb  shall  be  included  every  building  having 
a  parish  hall,  lodge  hall,  dance  hall,  banquet  hall,  skating  rink,  assembly  hall,  halls 
used  for  the  purpose  of  exposition  and  exhibition,  and  buildings  having  a  hall  for 
the   purpose  of   instruction,   other  than   schools,  included  in  Class  VIII,   and  also 
every  existing  building  having  a  hall  used  for  theatrical  purposes  at  the  time  of 
the  passage  of  this  ordinance,  except  such  buildings  as  are  included  in  Classes  IVa, 
IVc,  IVd,  and  V. 

301.  Frontage — Seating  Less  Than  Eight  Hundred — Seating  More  Than  Eight 
Hundred.)      (a)    Every   building  of   Class   IVb,   containing  a   hall   or   halls   of   an 
aggregate  seating  capacity  of  800  persons  or  less,  shall  have  a  frontage  upon  two 
public   spaces,   of  which   at  least   one  shall  be  a  street,  and   the  other,  if  not   a 
street,  shall   be   a   public  or  private   alley,  not  less  than   ten  feet  wide;,   opening 
directly  on  a  public  street  or  alley. 


38  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

(b)  Buildings  of  Class  IVb,  containing  halls  or  rooms,  used  for  the  purpose 
of  Class  IVb,  of  greater  aggregate  seating  capacity  than  800,  shall  have  a  frontage 
upon  three  open  spaces,  of  which  at  least  one  shall  be  a  public  street,  while  the 
other  two,  if  not  streets,  shall  be  public  or  private  alleys,  of  a  width  of  not  less 
than  ten  feet,  each  opening  directly  on  a  public  street  or  alley;  provided  that  a 
fireproof  passageway  at  grade  level,  and  not  less  than  seven  feet  in  width  may 
be  used  in  place  of  one  such  alley,  if  such  passageway  connects  with  a  public 
thoroughfare. 

302.  Auxiliary  Buildings— Height  and  Construction  of — Communicating  Doors.) 
(a)     Every  building  hereafter  erected  and   connected  with  or   made   part  of   any 
building  used  in  whole  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb,  shall,  if  sixty  or 
less  feet  in  height,  be   of  fireproof,  mill   or   slow-burning  construction,   except   as 
otherwise  provided  in  this  chapter,  and,  if  more  than  sixty  feet  in  height,  of  fire- 
proof construction. 

(b)  No  existing  building,  other  than  of  fireproof  construction,  shall  be  con- 
nected to  any  building  of  Class  IVb  now  existing  or  hereafter  constructed,  unless 
there  is,  between  such  buildings,  a  fire  wall  constructed  as  required  by  Section  519 
of  this  Chapter  and  extending  from  the  ground  to  and  through  the  roof. 

(c)  In  all  such  cases  where  both  buildings  are  not  of  fireproof  construction, 
each  opening  in  the  intervening  walls  shall  be  equipped  with  automatic  double  fire- 
doors  as  required  by  Section  573  of  this  Chapter. 

303.  Existing  Buildings — Used  for  Class  IVb  and  for  Other  Purposes.)     No 
part  of  an   existing  building,  other   than   of  fireproof   construction,   shall  be  used 
for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  unless  such  part  is  separated  from  all  portions  of  the 
same  building  used  for  other  purposes  by  a  fire  wall  constructed  as  required  by 
Section  519  of  this  Chapter  and  extending  from  the  ground  to  the  roof  and  unless 
all  openings  in  such  fire   wall  are  equipped  with  automatic  double  fire  doors   as 
required  by  Section  573  of  this  Chapter;  in  which  case  such  other  portions  may  be 
constructed  in  the  manner  permitted  for  separate  buildings  of  such  class. 

304.  Construction — Depending  on  Capacity.)     Every  building  used  for  the  pur- 
poses of  Class  IVb,  hereafter  erected,  containing  a  hall  or  room  of  an  aggregate  seat- 
ing capacity  of  not  more  than  1,500  persons,  shall  be  built  of  mill,  slow-burning  or 
fireproof  construction.  Every  building  hereafter  erected  used  for  theatrical  purposes, 
with  a  seating  capacity  greater  than  three  hundred  shall'  be  built  to  conform  to  the 
requirements  of  buildings  of  Class  V  hereafter  erected.    If  a  hall  or  room  or  halls  or 
rooms  have  a  total  seating  capacity  of  more  than  1,500  persons,  such  building  shall 
be  built  of  fireproof  construction;  provided,  that  buildings  mainly  used  for  exposi- 
tion or  exhibition  purposes,  and  not  used  for  theatrical  purposes,  and  not  exceeding 
two  stories  in  height  which  have  for  public  use  only  a  main  floor  and  one  gallery  and 
which  have  their  walls  and  structural  members  of  incombustible  material  and  which 
comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance  as  to  stairways,  exits  and  fire  escapes, 
may  have  their  temporary  seats,  boxes,  show  cases,  platforms,  or  booths,  constructed 
of  combustible  material;   provided,  however,  that  any  and  all  draperies,  buntings, 
or   other  inflammable  decorations   shall  be   treated  with   a  fire-retarding  solution, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

305.  Buildings  in  Which  Seats  Are  Not  Fixed— Seating  Capacity.)     In  com- 
puting the  seating  capacity  of  any  room  or  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  this 
Class,  in  which  the  seats  are  not  fixed,  an  allowance  of  six  square  feet  of  floor 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  39 

area  shall  be  made  for  each  person,  and  all  space  between  the  walls  or  partitions 
of  such  room  or  building  shall  be  measured  in  this  computation.  Provided,  that 
in  buildings  of  Class  IVb  standing  at  least  seven  feet  from  any  other  building 
and  not  having  more  than  two  stories  and  each  floor  having  its  own  separate 
exits,  the  seating  capacity  of  each  floor  shall  be  estimated  alone  as  determining 
the  kind  of  construction  under  this  article. 

-306.  Limitations  of  Floor  Levels— Height  Above  Sidewalks.)  (a)  The  fol- 
lowing limitations  of  floor  levels  in  buildings  hereafter  erected,  occupied  either 
wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb,  other  than  skating  rinks,  shall  be 
as  follows:  No  auditorium  of  a  greater  seating  capacity  than  one  thousand  shall 
have  the  highest  part  of  its  main  floor  at  a  greater  distance  than  ten  feet  above 
the  adjacent  sidewalk  grade.  No  room  or  rooms  having  a  greater  seating  capacity 
than  five  hundred  shall  be  at  a  greater  distance  above  the  sidewalk  grade  than 
twenty  feet.  No  room  or  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  having  a  greater 
seating  capacity  than  two  hundred  shall  be  at  a  higher  level  above  the  sidewalk 
grade  than  thirty  feet;  provided,  however,  that  in  the  case  of  a  building  used  either 
wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb,  and  built  of  fireproof  construction, 
a  room  or  rooms  to  be  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  and  of  an  aggregate  seat- 
ing capacity  of  less  than  five  hundred  may  be  located  in  any  story  thereof,  but  in 
such  case,  there  shall  be  at  least  two  separate  and  distinct  flights  of  stairs  from 
the  floor  or  floors  in  which  such  room  or  rooms  are  located,  to  the  ground,  each  of 
which  stairs  shall  be  not  less  than  four  feet  wide  in  the.  clear  and  such  floor  or 
floors  shall  be  equipped  with  emergency  exits  and  have  not  less  than  one  stairway 
fire  escape. 

(b)  In  buildings  of  fireproof  construction  hereafter  erected,  banquet  halls  or 
ball  rooms  having  a  seating  capacity  of  not  more  than  900  may  be  located  on  any 
floor.     Such  banquet  halls  or  ball  rooms  shall  have  access  to  at  least  two  interior 
stairways  and  not  less  than  one  stairway  fire  escape,  the  combined  width  of  which 
shall  be  equal  to  at  least  18  inches  for  each  one  hundred  persons  for  whom  accom- 
modations are  provided  in  said  banquet  hall  or  ball  room. 

(c)  No  room  or  hall  used  for  the   purpose   of  a   skating  rink   shall  be  con- 
structed,  operated   or  maintained   with   its   main   floor   level   more   than   two   feet 
above  the  inside  sidewalk  grade  of  the  street  upon  which  the  building  containing 
same  fronts,  or  more  than  one  foot  above  the  ground  or  sidewalk  level  in  front  of 
such  building  when  it  does  not  face  on  a  street. 

307.  Allowance  for  Loads  in  Construction  of  Floors.)  All  floors  of  all  build- 
ings of  Class  IVb  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be 
capable  of  bearing  in  all  their  parts,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  floor  construc- 
tion, partitions,  permanent  fixtures  and  mechanisms  that  may  be  set  upon  the 
same,  a  live  load  of  one  hundred  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  surface  in  such 
floor,  in  accordance  with  the  general  provisions  of  this  chapter. 

t308.  Stairways— Entrances  and  Exits— Width  of.)  The  width  of  stairways  in 
buildings  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb,  shall  be  18  inches 


*As  amended  July  22,  1912.  See  page  1675,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

tAs  amended  July  22,  1912.  See  pages  1675-6,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


40  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

for  every  100  persons  of  the  aggregate  seating  capacity  of  all  rooms  used  for  the 
purposes  of  Class  IVb  in  such  buildings;  but  no  stairway  in  such  building  shall 
be  less  than  four  feet  wide  in  the  clear;  provided,  that  in  any  such  building  having 
a  room  or  rooms,  balcony  or  gallery,  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb,  the  aggre- 
gate seating  capacity  of  which  does  not  exceed  250  persons,  two  sepaj-ate  and 
distinct  stairways,  each  three  feet  wide,  shall  be  permitted,  but  no  such  building 
hereafter  erected  shall  have  less  than  two  interior  stairways  of  the  width  required 
by  this  ordinance,  and  located  as  far  apart  as  practicable.  Every  hall  or  room 
used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  in  a  building  hereafter  erected 
shall  have  access  to  not  less  than  two  stairways.  Every  stairway  shall  have  hand- 
rails on  each  side  thereof;  stairways  which  are  over  seven  feet  wide  shall  have 
double  intermediate  handrails  with  end  newel  posts  at  least  five  and  a  half  feet 
high;  no  stairway  shall  ascend  a  greater  height  than  13  feet  6  inches  without 
a  level  landing,  which  landing  shall  be  not  less  than  four  feet  wide  measured 
in  the  direction  of  the  run  of  the  stairs.  Every  stairway  leading  to  a  box  or  boxes 
shall  be  independent  of  all  other  stairs  or  seats;  and  such  stairway  shall  not  be 
less  than  2  feet  6  inches  wide  in  the  clear  when  such  box  or  boxes  seat  not  to 
exceed  thirty  people,  and  an  additional  width  of  one  inch  shall  be  added  to  such 
stairway  for  each  additional  five  persons  for  whom  seating  capacity  is  provided. 

309.  Balconies  and  Galleries — Designation  of.)     Where  there  are  balconies  or 
galleries,  the  first  balcony  or  gallery  shall  be  designated  "balcony"  and  the  second 
and    third    balconies    or  galleries    shall   be    designated    respectively   "gallery"    and 
"second  gallery." 

310.  Balconies   and   Galleries — Exit   and   Entrance.)       Distinct   and   separate 
places  of  exit  and  entrance  shall  be  provided  for  each  gallery.     A  common  place  of 
exit  and  entrance  may  serve  for  the  main  floor  of  the  auditorium  and  the  balcony, 
provided  its  capacity  be  equal  to  the  aggregate  required  capacity  of  all  aisles  or 
corridors  leading  from  the  main  floor  and  such  balcony  to  such  place  of  exit  and 
entrance. 

311.  Aisles— Steps    in    Aisles — Passageways — Kept    Unobstructed — Width    of 
Corridors,  Passageways,  Hallways  and  Doors.)     (a)     Aisles  in  rooms  used  for  the 
purposes  of  Class  IVb  shall  have  in  the  aggregate  a  width  of  18  inches  for  each 
100  of  the  seating  capacity  of  such  room,  and  for  fractional  parts  of  100  a  pro- 
portionate part  of  18  inches  shall  be  added;   but  no  aisle  shall  be  less  than  two 
feet  six  inches  in  width. 

(b)  Steps  shall  be  permitted  in  aisles  only  as  extending  from  bank  to  bank 
of  seats,  and  whenever  the  rise  from  bank  to  bank  of  seats  is  less  than  five  inches 
the  floor  of  the  aisles  shall  be  made  as  an  inclined  plane,  and  where  steps  occur  in 
outsfde  aisles  or  corridors,  they  shall  not  be  isolated,  but  shall  be  grouped  together, 
and  there  shall  be  a  light  so  placed  as  to  illuminate  such  steps  in  such  outside 
aisles  or  corridors.  All  aisles  and  passageways  in  such  rooms  shall  be  kept  free 
from  camp-stools,  sofas,  chairs  and  other  obstructions,  and  no  persons  shall  be 
allowed  to  stand  in  or  occupy  any  of  such  aisles  or  passageways  during  any  per- 
formance, service,  exhibition,  lecture,  concert,  ball,  or  any  public  assembly. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  4] 

(c)     Where  there   are  emergency    exits   located   at   the   sides  of   such   rooms, 

there  shall  be  a  cross  aisle  giving  access  to  such  exits.     The  location  of  emergency 

exits  and   cross  aisles   shall   be  subject   to   the  approval   of   the   Commissioner  of 
Buildings. 

312.  Corridors,    Passageways,    Hallways   and   Doors — Width    of.)     The   width 
of  corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doors  adjacent  to,  connected  with  or  a  part 
of  such  rooms,  shall  be  computed  in  the  same  manner  as  is  herein  provided  for 
stairways  and  aisles,  excepting,  however,  that  no  such  corridor,  passageway  or  hall- 
way shall  be  less  than  four  feet  in  width,  and  no   such  door  shall  be  less   than 
three  feet  in  width.' 

313.  Seats — Number  in  Rows.)     There  shall  be  not  more  than  fourteen  seats  in 
any  one  row  between  aisles,  and  in  a  room  or  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
IVb,  of  a  seating  capacity  greater  than  400  persons,  there  shall  be  an  aisle  on  each 
side  of  any  bank  of  seats,  where  there  are  over  seven  seats  in  a  row.    Rows  of  seats 
shall  not  be  less  than  thirty-two  inches  from  back  to  back  and  no  bank  of  seats 
shall  be  of  a  greater  rise  than  twenty  inches. 

314.  Emergency  Exits.)     (a)  Emergency  exits  and  stairways  shall  be  provided 
outside  of  any  and  all  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  which  have  a 
seating  capacity  larger  than   eight  hundred,  and  such  emergency  exits  shall  have 
a  width  equal  to  one-half  of  the  width  provided  for  the  main  exits  and  such  emer- 
gency exits  shall  lead  directly  to  a  public  thoroughfare.    Provided,  however,  that  any 
room  or  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  in  any  building  hereafter  erected, 
having  a  seating  capacity  of  more  than  400,  shall  have  emergency  exits  outside  of 
the  walls  of  such  building  equal  in  width  to  one-half  of  the  exits  required  for  the 
main  exits,  and  such  emergency  exits  shall  lead  directly  to  a  public  thoroughfare. 
Doors  leading  to  emergency  exits  shall  not  be  less  than  three  feet  wide.     Stairs 
shall  be  not  less  than  four  feet  wide.    Such  emergency  exits  and  stairways  may  be 
built  inside  the  walls  of  such  building  of  a  width  not  less  than  four  feet,  provided 
that  they  are  enclosed  by  a  fireproof  partition  not  less  than  4  inches  thick;   and 
further   provided,   that   the   stairs  themselves    are    constructed    of    incombustible 
material.    Emergency  stairways  may  descend  into  open  spaces  or  passageways,  pro- 
vided they  do  not  obstruct  more  than  one-half  of  the  width  of  such  open  spaces  or 
passageways. 

(b)  Every  stairway  fire  escape  shall  be  located  and  constructed  in  accordance 
with  the  requirements  of  Sections  669,  670  and  673,  but  in  no  case  shall  any  room 
used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  located  above  the  third  story  of  any  building 
have  less  than  one  stairway  fire  escape. 

315.  Doors  to   Open   Outward — Draperies.)      (a)     All   doors   affording  access 
directly  or  indirectly  to  the  street,  alley  or  corridor  from  any  room  used  for  the 
purposes  of  Class  IVb  shall  open  outward. 

(b)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  obscure  the 
exit  doors  of  any  room  of  a  building  of  Class  IVb  as  defined  in  this  chapter,  by 
draperies,  and  during  the  time  any  such  room  or  rooms  are  open  to  the  public, 
said  doors  shall  not  be  locked  or  fastened  in  any  manner  so  as  to  prevent  them 


42  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

from  being  easily  opened  outwardly;  and  such  doors  shall  be  constructed  and  main- 
tained so  as  to  require  no  special  knowledge  or  effort  to  open  them  from  the 
interior. 

316.  Walls  Between  Auditorium  and  Stage.)     There  shall  be  a  solid  brick  wall 
of  the  same  thickness  as  required  for  outside  walls  between  the  auditorium   and 
stage  in  buildings  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  use  of  Class  IVb  and 
used  either  wholly  or  in  part  for  that  purpose;  and  in  existing  non-fireproof  build- 
ings such  wall  must  extend  to  a  height  of  three  (3)  feet  above  the  roof.    Provided, 
however,  that  in  existing  buildings  any  room  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  at 
the  date  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance  having  a  greater  seating  capacity  than 
four  hundred  (400)  shall  have  a  proscenium  wall  built  of  masonry  or  incombustible 
material. 

317.  Curtain  Shall  Be  of  Iron,  Steel  or  Asbestos— Inspection  of— Fee.)     The 
main   curtain   opening  in   any  such  room   shall  have   a   wrought  iron  or   steel   or 
three-ply   asbestos    curtain   with   a   wire    mesh   imbedded   therein,   which    shall  be 
inspected  by  the  Building  Department  semi-annually,  for  which  inspection  a  charge 
of  five  dollars  shall  be  made,  and  all  other  openings  in  the  proscenium  wall  shall 
have  self-closing  iron  doors. 

318.  Structures  Over  Ceiling— Construction.)     If  any  structure  intended  to  be 
occupied  by  people  is  built  over  the  ceiling  of  any  room,  used  wholly  or  in  part 
for  Ihe  purposes  of  Class  IVb,  the   girders   or  trusses  supporting  the  same   shal) 
be   of  steel  protected   with  fireproofing   as   required   for  interior   columns    in    Sec- 
tion 625. 

319.  Standpipe  and  Hose  on  Stage.)     In  every  room  used  for  the  purpose  of 
Class  IVb  and  having  a  seating  capacity  of  250  or  more,  and  where  scenery  is  used 
a  standpipe  not  less  than  one  and  one-half  inches   in  diameter,  with  a  hose  con- 
nection and  hose  valve  thereon,  shall  be  installed  on  each  side  of  the  stage,  and 
shall  at  all  times  have  connected  thereto  and  ready   for  use,  a  hose  of  sufficient 
length  to  reach  any  part  of  the  stage.     Such  standpipes  shall  be  connected  with 
pump  or  frostproof  gravity  tank  so  that  a  pressure  of  water  of  ten  pounds  per 
square  inch  shall  be  furnished  through  such  standpipe  at  the  highest  opening. 

320.  Vents  or  Flue  Pipes.)      (a)  One   or  more   vents  or  flue   pipes  of  metal 
construction   or  other    incombustible    material    approved   by   the    Commissioner   of 
Buildings  shall  be   built  over  the  stage,  and  shall   extend   not  less  than  ten   feet 
above    the   highest   point    of    the    roof,   and   shall    be   equivalent   in   area    to    one- 
twentieth  of  the  area  of  the  stage. 

(b)  In   buildings    where    additional   stories   are    built   above    the    stage,   such 
vents   or  flue    pipes   may  be    carried   out   near   the   top   of    the   stage    walls,   and 
shall  be  continued  and  run  up  on  the  exterior  of  the  building  to  a  point  five  feet 
above  the  highest  point  of  the  additional  stories. 

(c)  All  such  flues  or  vents  shall  be  provided  with  metal  dampers  which  shall 
be  controlled  or  operated  by  a  small  tarred  hempen  cord  and  also  by  two  electric 
switches,   one   at   the    electrician's    station   on    the   stage,    which    station    shall   be 
fireproof,  and  the  other  at  the  stage  fireman's  station  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
stage;  the  arrangement  of  said  cord  and  said  electric  switches  shall  be  such  that 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  43 

the  cord  will  operate  as  a  fusible  link  between  the  electric  control  and  the  damper 
and  will  release  said  damper,  should  the  switches,  or  either  of  them,  fail  to  operate. 
Such  stations  shall  be  located  in  such  places  on  the  stage  as  may  be  determined 
by  the  Fire  Marshal,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  paragraph,  and  each  switch 
shall  have  a  sign  with  plain  directions  as  to  the  operation  of  the  same  printed 
thereon. 

321.  Fuse  Boxes.)  Every  fuse  box  shall  be  surrounded  by  two  thicknesses 
of  fireproof  material  with  an  air  space  between,  and  no  fuse  shall  be  exposed  to 
the  air  between  the  switchboards;  all  electrical  equipment  in  such  rooms  shall  be 
installed  and  maintained  to  the  satisfaction  and  approval  of  the  City  Electrician. 

'  322.  Capacity— Certification  for  License.)  (a)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
shall  determine  the  number  of  persons  which  every  room  used  for  the  purposes  of 
Class  IVb  may  accommodate,  according  to  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter,  and  shall 
certify  tlie  same  to  the  City  Clerk.  No  more  than  the  number  so  certified  shall  be 
allowed  in  such  room  at  any  one  time. 

(b)  Xo  amusement  license  shall  be  issued  for  any  room  used  for  the  purposes 
of  Class  IVb,  unless  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  the  Fire  Marshal  and  the  City 
Electrician  shall  first  have  certified,  in  writing,  that  such  room  complies  with  the 
provisions  of  this  Chapter  in  every  respect. 

323.  Exits— Signs    at— Lighting   of.)      (a)  The   word   "Exit"    shall    appear   in 
letters  at  least  six  inches  high,  over  the  openings  to  every  means  of  egress  from 
every  room  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb,  and  in  every  such  room  having  a 
greater  seating  capacity  than  400,  a  red  light  furnished  by  gas  or  sperm  oil  shall 
be  provided  over  such  sign. 

(b)  Every  room  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVb  and  all  outlets  therefrom 
leading  to  the  streets,  including  passageways,  courts,  corridors,  stairways,  exits, 
and  emergency  stairways,  shall  have  gas  or  electric  lighting  equipment  to  properly 
illuminate  such  rooms  and  spaces,  and  every  passageway,  court,  corridor,  stairway, 
exit,  and  emergency  stairway,  shall  be  provided  with  signs  indicating  the  way  out 
of  the  building,  the  letters  of  which  shall  not  be  less  than  six  inches  in  height. 

324.  Lights  in  Halls,   Corridors   and  Lobbies— Control  Of — Separate  Shutoff 
— Connection  with  Gas  Mains — Protection  of  Suspended  and  Bracket  Lights — Pro- 
tection of  Lights  Inserted  in  Walls— Protection  of  Foot  Lights — Construction  of 
Border  Lights— Ducts  and  Shafts  Conducting  Heated  Air  From  Lights— Protection- 
of    Stage   Lights.)     Gas    and   electric  lights   in    the    halls,  passageways,   corridors, 
lobbies  an£  other  means  of  ingress  to  or  egress  from  any  such  room  shall  be. con- 
trolled by   a   separate  shutoff,  located  in  an  accessible  place,  subject  to  the  ap- 
proval of   the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and  controlled   only  in   that  particular 
place.     No  gas  or  electric  light  fixture  shall  be  inserted  in  the  walls,  woodwork, 
ceilings  or  in  any  part  of  any  such  room,  unless  protected  by  fireproof  materials. 
The  footlights,  if  gas  light,  shall  be  protected  by  wire  network,   and  also  by  a 
strong   wire  guard,  not  less   than   two    feet  distant   from    such   footlights   and   a 
trough  containing  such  footlights  shall  be  formed   of  and  be  surrounded  by   fire- 
proof materials.     Border  lights   shall  be  constructed  according  to  the  best  known 
methods,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  City  Electrician,  and  shall  be  suspended 
by   wire   rope.     Ducts  and  shafts   used   for  collecting  heated   air   from   the  main 
chandelier,  or  from  any  other  light  or  lights,  shall  be  constructed  of  metal,  and 
made  double  with  an  intervening  air  space.     Stage  lights,  if  gas,  shall  have  strong 
wire  guards  or  metal  screens,  not  less  than  ten  inches  in  diameter,  so  constructed 


44  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

that  any  material  coming  in  contact  therewith  shall  be  out  of  reach  of  flame,  and 
such  guards  or  screens  shall  be  firmly  soldered  to  the  fixtures  in  all  cases. 

325.  Scenery — Definition — Movable  Scenery.)     (a)  "Scenery"  as   used  in  this 
chapter    shall    include      all    scenery,    drop    curtains    and    wings    which    are    con- 
structed or   made    of   cloth,   canvas    or   combustible   material,   whether   stationary 
or  movable. 

"Movable  scenery"  shall  include  all  scenery,  drop  curtains,  borders  and  wings 
which  are  made  movable  for  the  purpose  of  changing  scenery  and  substituting 
another  set  during  or  between  the  various  stage  acts. 

326.  Scenery  to  Be  Non-inflammable.)     No  scenery  or  stage  paraphernalia  of 
any  sort   shall  be   used   upon  the   stage   of   any   room   used   for  the   purposes   of 
Class  IVb,  unless  such  scenery  and  paraphernalia  shall  have  been  treated  with  a 
paint  or  chemical  solution  which  shall  make  it  non-inflammable,  and  which  treated 
scenery   or   stage   paraphernalia,   or   both,    shall   be    tested   and    approved   by   the 
Fire  Marshal. 

*327.  Amount  of  Scenery  Allowed — Sprinkler  System.)  Two  sets  of  house 
scenery  and  three  drops,  exclusive  of  asbestos  fire  curtain  and  picture  screen, 
shall  be  allowed  in  existing  rooms  used  for  theatrical  purposes  in  buildings  of 
Class  IVb  where  the  same  are  on  the  first  floor  level,  or  in  a  building  of  fireproof 
construction  or  which  conformed  with  the  requirements  of  fireproof  buildings  at 
the  time  same  was  erected,  and  the  same  shall  also  be  allowed  in  such  existing 
rooms  used  for  theatrical  purposes  above  the  first  floor  level  when  the  seating 
capacity  of  such  room  does  not  exceed  300.  Such  scenery  shall  be  known  and 
designated  upon  the  licenses  issued  by  the  city  as  "'Permanent  House  Scenery." 
and  the  use  and  moving  of  such  scenery  shall  not  be  construed  as  placing  said 
building,  hall,  room  or  theatre  within  the  provisions  of  the  ordinance  relating  to 
Class  V  buildings. 

A  set  of  house  scenery  as  contemplated  by  this  section  is  hereby  defined  to 
mean  sufficient  scenery  to  make  one  stage  setting,  such  scenery  being  in  continuous 
use  in  such  house;  provided,  however,  that  the  lowering  of  a  drop  shall  not  con- 
stitute a  new  stage  setting. 

No  other  scenery  except  as  above  enumerated  shall  be  permitted  on,  above  or 
underneath  the  stage. 

Every  existing  Class  IVb  theatre  affected  by  this  section  shall  be  equipped  with 
an  approved  sprinkler  system  and  also  with  standpipe  and  hose  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

No  existing  Class  IVb  theatre  affected  by  this  section  shall  increase  its  seat- 
ing capacity  after  the  passage  of  this  ordinance. 

No  scenery  or  stage  paraphernalia  of  combustible  materials  shall  be  used  on 
the  stage  of  any  room  or  theatre  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IV,  unless  such 
scenery  and  paraphernalia  shall  have  been  treated  with  a  paint  or  chemical  solution 
which  shall  make  it  non-inflammable,  and  which  treated  scenery  or  stage  parapher- 
nalia, or  both,  shall  be  tested  and  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

328.  Dressing  Room  Partitions.)  Partitions  forming  dressing  rooms,  except 
where  already  built,  shall  be  constructed  of  incombustible  material,  and  such 
dressing  rooms  shall  be  properly  ventilated. 


*As   amended  July   22,   1912.     See  page    1676,  Journal   of  the   Proceedings   of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  45 

329.  Apparatus  Under  Control  of  Fire  Marshal.)  The  standpipes,  hose,  vent 
flues  and  all  apparatus  for  the  extinguishing  of  fire  or  guarding  against  the  same, 
required  by  the  provisions  of  this  ordiriknce  to  be  provided,  shall  be  at  all  times 
so  provided  and  kept  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  the  Fire  Marshal. 

CLASS  IVc. 

*330.  Class  IVc  Defined— Moving  Picture  and  Vaudeville  Shows — Seating 
Capacity.)  Class  IVc  shall  include  every  building  hereafter  erected  used  for 
moving  picture  or  vaudeville  shows  and  similar  entertainments,  where  an  admis- 
sion fee  is  charged  and  regular  performances  are  given,  and  where  the  seating 
capacity  does  not  exceed  three  hundred,  provided  that  every  building  of  Class  IVc 
existing  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  the  ordinance  known  as  The  Chicago  Code  of 
1911  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of  Class  IVb.  All  buildings  hereafter 
erected  for  moving  picture  and  vaudeville  shows  and  similar  entertainments,  where 
an  admission  fee  is  charged  and  regular  performances  are  given,  with  a  seating 
capacity  of  over  three  hundred,  and  for  the  exhibition  of  moving  pictures  only, 
where  the  seating  capacity  is  more  than  one  thousand,  shall  be  built  to  conform 
with  the  requirements  for  buildings  of  Class  V  hereafter  erected  as  contained  in 
this  chapter.  Buildings  for  the  exhibition  of  moving  pictures  only  and  with  a 
seating  capacity  of  over  three  hundred,  but  not  to  exceed  one  thousand,  shall  also 
be  built  to  conform  with  the  requirements  for  buildings  of.  Class  V  hereafter 
erected,  in  all  their  structural  requirements  and  equipment  except  in  so  far  as 
such  requirements  and  equipment  are  modified  in  Sections  331  and  332  hereof, 

1331.  Frontage  of  Class  IVc — Frontage,  Open  Spaces  and  Fireproof  Passage- 
ways of  Moving  Picture  Theatres  Containing  a  Seating  Capacity  of-  More  Than 
Three  Hundred.)  Every  room  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVc  shall  have  a 
frontage  upon  at  least  two  public  thoroughfares,  of  which  at  least  one  shall  be 
a  street,  and  the  other  a  street  or  a  public  or  a  private  alley  not  less  than  ten 
feet  wide  and  opening  directly  on  a  public  street  or  alley. 


*As  amended  June  21,  1912.     See  page  902,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 

fAs  amended  June  21,   1012.     See  pages  902-3,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

NOTE:       The    following    amendatory    ordinance     (passed    January    15,    1912), 
was  repealed  March  11,  1912.     (See  page  3171  of  the  said  Council  Journal)  : 
Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 

SECTION  1.  That  Section  331  of  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911,  be  and 
the  same  is  hereby  amended  so  as  to  read  as  follows: 

331.  Frontage  of  Class  IVc.)  Every  room,  hereafter  used  for  the 
purpose  of  Class  IVc,  shall  have  a  frontage  upon  at  least  one  street. 
Where  neither  side  (exclusive  of  the  front  and  rear)  abuts  a  street 
or  alley,  there  shall  be  maintained  on  either  such  side  an  open  and 
unobstructed  space  or  passageway  not  less  than  eight  feet  imde, 
which  shall  lead  directly  to  a  public  street  or  alley;  and  there  shall 
also  be  maintained  an  exit  near  the  middle  of  such  side  leading  di- 
rectly to  the  space  or  passageway  herein  provided. 

SECTION  2.  This  ordinance  shall  be  in  force  and  effect  from  and 
after  its  passage  and  due  publication  thereof. 


46  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

Buildings  for  the  exhibition  of  moving  pictures  only,  with  a  seating  capacity 
of  over  three  hundred,  but  not  to  exceed  one  thousand,  shall  be  located  so  that 
they  adjoin  at  least  two  public  thoroughfares,  one  of  which  shall  be  a  public 
street  and  the  other  may  be  a  public  alley  not  less  than  ten  feet  in  width.  Ex- 
cept as  hereinafter  otherwise  provided,  the  audience  room  of  such  building  shall 
have  either  a  public  thoroughfare  or  an  open  space  unobstructed  from  the  ground 
to  the  sky  on  each  side  thereof.  Such  open  space,  when  the  audience  room  has  a 
capacity  not  to  exceed  six  hundred  seats,  shall  be  five  feet  wide,  and  six 
inches  shall  be  added  to  the  width  of  same  for  every  additional  one  hundred  seats 
in  said  audience  room  up  to  the  maximum  of  one  thousand  seats.  In  all  cases 
where  there  is  a  public  alley  in  the  rear  of  such  building,  said  open  space  must 
connect  directly  with  the  alley.  In  case  the  entire  audience  is  seated  on  the 
ground  level  said  open  spaces  shall  extend  alongside  of  the  audience  room  so  as 
to  connect  with  exit  doors  placed  approximately  in  the  middle  of  the  audience  room 
between  the  opposite  ends  of  same.  Where  there  is  a  balcony  or  gallery  installed, 
such  open  spaces  must  extend  along  the  entire  length  of  the  audience  room  so 
as  to  connect  with  exits  from  the  balcony  or  gallery  at  their  highest  and  lowest 
levels.  Where  such  a  building  is  located  on  a  corner  lot  and  adjoins  a  public 
street  on  one  side  and  a  public  street  or  an  alley  not  less  than  ten  feet  wide  on 
two  of  the  remaining  sides  and  the  building  is  so  located  that  it  adjoins  such 
public  thoroughfares  on  three  sides  for  its  entire  extent,  it  shall  not  be  necessary 
to  construct  an  open  space  on  the  remaining  side  thereof,  but  in  all  such  cases 
there  shall  be  either  an  open  space  unobstructed  from  the  ground  to  the  sky 
or  a  fireproof  passageway  at  least  five  feet  wide  leading  from  the  side  of  the 
audience  room  not  bordering  on  a  street  or  other  public  space  to  the  street  in 
front  of  the  theatre  and  another  leading  to  the  alley  or  other  public  space  in  the 
rear  of  the  theatre.  If  the  seating  capacity  of  such  theatre  is  over  six  hundred, 
six  inches  shall  be  added  to  the  width  of  such  open  space  or  passagewray  for  every 
one  hundred  seats  or  fraction  thereof  in  excess  of  six  hundred  and  up  to  the 
maximum  of  one  thousand.  _  If  access  to  the  street  and  alley  or  other  public  space 
as  herein  provided  is  by  means  of  a  fireproof  passageway,  such  fireproof  passageway 
must  be  constructed  in  all  respects  according  to  the  provisions  of  Section  402  of 
The  Chicago  Code  of  1911,  except  as  herein  otherwise  provided. 

*332.  Construction.)  Buildings  of  Class  IVc  hereafter  erected,  of  a  seating- 
capacity  not  to  exceed  three  hundred,  shall  not  be  built  more  than  thirty  feet  in 
height  and  may  be  built  of  ordinary  construction,  but  the  enclosing  walls  shall 
be  constructed  of  masonry.  No  moving  picture,  vaudeville  or  theatrical  show  shall 
hereafter  be  installed  in  a  frame  building.  No  room  or  hall  used  for  the  purposes 
of  Class  IVc  shall  hereafter  be  installed  underneath  any  living  or  sleeping  room. 

Buildings  for  the  exhibition  of  moving  pictures  only  with  a  seating  capacity  of 
more  than  three  hundred,  but  not  to  exceed  one  thousand,  when  the  same  shall 
be  located  as  provided  for  in  Section  331  hereof,  may  be  built  as  herein  provided. 
Said  buildings  shall  contain  no  stage,  proscenium  wall  nor  scenery  of  any  de- 
scription. The  screen  for  the  display  of  the  pictures  must  be  attached  to  the  rear 


*As  amended  February  6,  1913.  See  page  3699,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

[This  Section  was  previously  amended  June  21,  1912.  See  page  902.  Journal  of 
the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council.] 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  47 

wall  of  the  building,  not  to  exceed  six  inches  away  from  same.  Xo  decorative 
walls  or  paintings  or  other  effects  shall  be  constructed  inside  the  audience  room 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  allow  any  rooms  or  spaces  between  same  and  the  enclosing 
walls  of  the  building.  An  open  platform  not  to  exceed  seventy-two  square  feet  in 
area  may  be  built  before  the  picture  screen.  On  the  main  floor  of  such  building 
there  shall  be  at  least  two  main  aisles  with  direct  exits  at  front  and  rear  and 
two  cross  aisles  with  direct  exits  from  the  side.  When  such  building  contains  a 
balcony  or  gallery  there  shall  be  emergency  exits  from  the  highest  and  lowest 
levels  of  same  on  one  side  and  on  the  other  side  there  shall  be  either  emergency 
exits  or  enclosed  interior  stairs  from  the  highest  level  of  the  balcony,  and  the 
lowest  level  of  the  balcony  shall  be  connected  with  such  side  stairs  by  means  of  a 
tunnel.  All  seats  in  the  audience  room  shall  be  at  least  twenty  inches  wide  and 
spaced  thirty- four  inches  from  back  to  back.  The  booth  for  the  moving  picture 
machine  must  be  of  construction  in  conformity  with  the  requirements  for  such 
machine  booths  in  buildings  of  Class  IVc;  in  all  other  respects  such  buildings  shall 
comply  both  in  structural  requirements  and  equipment  with  the  provisions  of  the 
ordinances  relating  to  theatres  of  Class  V  hereafter  erected.  Provided,  however, 
that  where  such  building  has  no  balcony  or  gallery  and  the  seats  in  the  audience 
room  are  all  on  the  ground  floor  of  same,  and  where  no  portion  of  the  building 
connected  with  or  made  a  part  of  or  used  in  conjunction  therewith  exceeds  two 
stories  in  height,  and  where  the  lobbies  and  entrances  leading  to  such  part  of  the 
luilding  used  for  purposes  of  Class  IVc  have  brick  dividing  walls  separating  them' 
from  the  portions  of  the  building  connected  therewith  used  for  the  purpose  of  any 
other  class  as  defined  in  this  ordinance,  and  the  floors  of  said  lobbies  and  entrances 
and  the  floors  and  ceilings  above  such  lobbies  and  entrances  are  of  fire-proof  con- 
struction and  there  are  no  doors  or  windows  leading  from  such  lobbies  and  en- 
trances to  any  portion  of  the  said  building  used  for  any  other  purpose  than  Class 
IVc,  such  portion  of  said  building  as  is  not  used  for  purposes  of  Class  IVc  may  be 
built  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  ordinances  designating  the  manner  of 
construction  for  such  classes. 

333.  Floor   Levels — Limitations.)     The  following  limitations    of    floor    levels 
shall  apply  to  every  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  Glass  IVc;  the  highest  part 
of  the  auditorium  floor  shall  not  exceed  four  feet  above  the  sidewalk  level.     The 
floor  level  at  the  entrance  shall  not  be  at  a  greater  height  than  eight  inches  above 
the  sidewalk.     The  aisies  shall  not  have  a  greater  incline  than  iya  inches  to  the 
foot. 

334.  Stairways.)     Where   external    stairways    are    required,    such    stairways 
shall  be  at  least  six  inches  wider  than  the  exits,  and  shall  have  treads  not  less 
than  ten  inches  wide  and  risers  not  more  than  8  inches  high,  and  shall  be  provided 
with  suitable  handrails  on  each  side  thereof,  and  the  width  of  such  stairs   shall 
comply  with  the  requirements  of  Class  IV'b. 

335.  Balconies    and    Galleries.)     In    non-fireproof    buildings   hereafter    erected 
for,  or  converted  to  the  purposes  of  Class  IVc,  not  more  than  one  balcony  and  no 
galleries  shall  be  constructed. 

336.  Aisles — Steps   and   Aisles— Passages  to   be  Kept   Unobstructed.)     Aisles 
and  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVc  shall  have  in  the  aggregate,  a  width 
of  not  less  than  20  inches  for  each  100  of  seating  capacity  of  such  room  and  for 
fractional  parts  of  100,  a  proportionate  part  of  20  inches  shall  be  added,  and  no 
aisle  shall  have  a  width  of  less  than  two  feet  six  inches.     When  side  emergency 


48  CITY    OF   CHICAGO 

exits  are  permitted,  there  shall  be  a  cross  aisle  not  less  than  three  feet  wide, 
leading  directly  to  said  exit.  Steps  shall  not  be  permitted  in  any  aisle  or  in  any 
portion  of  the  auditorium  floor.  Every  aisle,  passageway,  entrance  and  exit  shall 
be  free  from  turnstiles,  railings  or  other  obstructions. 

337.  Corridors — Passageways — Doors — Width    of.)      The    width    of    corridors, 
passageways   and    doors    shall  be   computed   in    the   same   manner    as   provided   in 
Sections  311  and  312. 

338.  Seats — Size — Location.)     There  shall  not  be  more  than  ten  seats  in  any 
one  row  between  aisles,  nor  more  than  six  seats  between  an  aisle  and  side  wall. 
Seats  shall  not  be  less  than  thirty-two  inches  from  back  to  back  and  shall  not 
be  less  than  twenty  inches  in  width  measured  at  the  top  of  the  seat  back,  and 
shall  be  secured  firmly  to  the  floor. 

339.  Exits.)     In  every  building  of  Class  IVc,  there  shall  be  provided  at  least 
two  entrance  doors.    No  entrance  doors  shall  be  less  than  four  feet  in  width.     If 
the  rear  of  the  building  abuts  upon  an  alley,  there  shall  be  provided  not  less  than 
two  emergency  exits  leading  directly  to  the  said  alley.     Wherever  emergency  exits 
pass  over   or   under  the  stage   floor  level,   they   shall   be    enclosed  with   walls    of 
masonry  nine   inches   in  thickness,  or  four   inch  hollow   tile,  or  of  two-inch   solid 
plaster,  composed  of  iron  studs  and  metal  lath  and  plaster,  and  shall  have  floors 
and  ceilings  of   slow-burning,   mill,  or  fireproof   construction.     If   the   side  of   the 
auditorium  abuts  upon  a  street  or  alley,  such  emergency  exits  shall  be  located  as 
follows:     one  exit  shall  be  located  at  a  distance  not  greater  than  five  feet  from 
the  proscenium  wall  or  stage,  and  the  other  exit  shall  be  located  at  a  distance 
half  way  between  the  foyer  and  the  stage  wall.     Exits  by  means  of  stairways  or 
stairway   fire   escapes,   equal  in   width  to   eighteen   inches    for   each    one   hundred 
persons,  shall  be  provided  and  for  fractional  parts  of  one  hundred,  a  proportionate 
part  of  eighteen  inches  shall  be  added.     No  such  exit  shall  be  less  than  two  feet 
six  inches  in  width. 

340.  Doors    to    Open    Outward.)     All    doors    affording    ingress    or    egress    in 
buildings  of  Class  IVc  shall  open  outward,  and  no  door  shall  be  less  than  three 
feet  wide.     Such  doors,  as  well  as  any  entrance  or  exits  or  opening,  shall  not  be 
obscured  by  curtains  or  draperies,  and  no  door  shall  be  locked  or  fastened  at  any 
time  during  the  time  such  building  is  open  to  the  public,  and  no  door  or  opening 
shall  be  less  than  three  feet  wide.     Such  doors  shall  be  so  constructed  and  main- 
tained that  they  may  easily  be  opened  from  within. 

341.  Walls  Between  Auditorium  and  Stage.)     Where  the  area  of  the   stage 
exceeds  72  square  feet,  there  shall  be  provided  a  proscenium  wall  of  solid  masonry 
of   not  less  than   nine   inches   in   thickness,   extending  from   ground  to  the   roof. 
Where   the  stage   area   is  less  than  72    square   feet   its  proscenium  wall   may  be 
constructed   of   two-inch  solid  plaster  walls,  composed  of  metal  studs  and  metal 
lath  and  plaster  or  three-inch  hollow  tile.    In  no  case  shall  the  underside  of  ceiling 
or  roof  over  stage  house  behind  proscenium  wall  be  at  a  higher  level  than  three 
feet  over  the  highest  point  of  main  proscenium  opening.     And  there  shall  be  no 
trap  doors  or  other  openings  in  the  stage  floor. 

342.  Curtain.)     (a)  The  main  curtain  in  the  opening  of  the  proscenium  wall 
shall  be  composed  of  long  fibre  asbestos  twisted  on  brass  wire  and  woven  into  a 
close  cloth.     The  laps  shall  be  sewed  with  two  lines  of  brass  and  asbestos  stitch- 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  49 

ing,  which  laps  shall  not  be  less  than  one-inch  wide.  Said  cloth  shall  be  lapped 
at  least  four  times  around  the  top  and  around  the  bottom  bars  with  at  least  three 
lines  of  the  stitching  above  specified. 

(b)  The  edge  of  the  curtain  shall  be  continuously  reinforced  by  lapping  and 
stitching  and  also   with  pieces  of   sheet  metal  for  clips.   The  curtain  shall  be  at 
least   thirty  inches   wider   and  higher  than  the  masonry   opening,  and  shall  have 
steel   top  and  bottom  bars   of   not   less  than   two  square   inches  in   cross   section, 
which  bars  shall  be  connected  by  four  three-sixteenth  inch  steel  cables. 

(c)  There  shall  be  three-eighth  inch  spanning  cables  with  upper  ends  secured 
to   steel   brackets  fastened   to   the  wall   and   the   lower  ends  sufficiently  counter- 
weighted  to  keep  the  cables  taut  »nd  where  cables  pass  through  the  stage  floor, 
the   holes   shall  be  metal   bushed. 

(d)  The  curtain  shall  have  hard  wood  eyelets  not  over  eighteen  inches  cen- 
ter to   center,  around   the   standing  cables  on   both   vertical   edges,   which   eyelets 
shall   be   secured  to  the  curtain  by  bent  brass  clips  riveted  to   the   curtain  with 
double  sheet  metal  reinforcing. 

(e)  There   shall  be   steel   lifting  cabks,   one-half    inch   in    diameter,   at   each 
end  of  the  curtain  and  at  intermediate  points  not  over  ten  feet  apart  attached 
to  drums  on  shafts  located  above  the  curtain. 

(f)  The    operating    machinery   shall    be    built   according   to   good    mechanical 
engineering  practice. 

(g)  There  shall  be   emergency  chains  midway  between  the  lifting  cables,  to 
hold   the    curtain   which  shall   be   equal  in   strength    and  efficiency   to   the   lifting 
cables. 

(h)  There  shall  be  steel  guides  of  not  less  than  three-eighths  inch  metal  on 
each  side  of  the  curtain  from  the  stage  floor  to  the  level  of  the  overhead  sheaves. 
The  metal  guides  shall  lap  the  edges  of  the  curtain  not  less  than  four  inches. 
The  curtain  shall  be  incombustible  in  all  its  parts  and  its  operating  devices. 

(i)  The  painting  and  the  manner  of  tripping  the  curtain  and  the  number  of 
and  the  location  of  places  for  tripping  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
Fire  Marshal. 

(j)  A  permit  shall  be  obtained  from  the  Department  of  Buildings  for  the 
erection  of  each  such  curtain.  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  inspect  each 
such  curtain  semi-annually  for  which  semi-annual  inspection,  a  fee  of  $5.00  shall 
be  charged. 

343.  Other  Openings  in  Stage  Walls.)     Every  other  opening  in  the  proscenium 
wall  or  in  the  other  walls  of  the  stage  shall  have  self-closing  incombustible  doors. 

344.  Structure  Over  Ceiling — Construction.)     A  structure  may  be  built  over 
the  ceiling  or  roof  of  any  building  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
IVc,  provided  such  space  is  not  used  for  sleeping  or  living  purposes.     Girders  or 
trusses  supporting  same  shall  be  of  steel  protected  by  fireproofing  as  required  in 
Section   625   and  the  entire  ceiling  shall  be   covered  with   incombustible  material 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

345.  Picture  Machine  Booth.)     The  walls,  floor  and  ceiling  of  every  moving 
picture  booth  or  machine  house  shall  be  built  of  four-inch  hollow  tile  or  four-inch 
solid  concrete,  supported  on  iron  beams  or  columns,  the  door  of  operating  room  to 
be  metal  clad  and  swing  outwards.     There  shall  be  a  metal  smoke  or  flue  pipe 


50  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

eighteen  inches    in  diameter   extending   from   ceiling   to  three   feet   above   roof  of 
machine  house  and  terminating  in  the  open  air. 

346.  Standpipes  and  Hose  on  Stage.)     When  the  stage  area  exceeds  seventy- 
two  square  feet  and  combustible  scenery  is  used  on  stage,  there  shall  be  a  water 
stand-pipe  not  less  than  1%  inches  in  diameter  with  hose  connections  and  hose  of 
sufficient  length  to  reach  any  and  all  portions  of  stage.     Said  stand-pipe  shall  be 
connected    to    either    a    fifteen    hundred    gallon    frost-proof    gravity    tank    located 
twenty-five  feet  above  stage  level,  or  to  a  two-inch  city  pipe  connection,  satisfac- 
tory to  the  Fire  Marshal. 

347.  Vent  or  Flue  Pipe  Over  Stage.)     (a)  When  the  stage  exceeds  seventy- 
two  square  feet  in  area  and  combustible  scener^  is  used,  one  or  more  flue  pipes  of 
incombustible  material  and  equivalent  to  one-twentieth  of  the  area  of  the   stage 
shall  be  built  over  the  stage  and  shall  extend  eight  feet  above  the  highest  point 
of  roof. 

(b)  All  such  flues  or  vents  shall  be  provided  with  metal  dampers  which 
shall  be  controlled  or  operated  by  a  small  tarred  hempen  cord  and  also  by  two 
electric  switches,  one  at  the  electrician's  station  on  the  stage,  which  station 
shall  be  fireproof,  and  the  other  at  the  stage  fireman's  station  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  stage;  the  arrangement  of  said  cord  and  said  electric  switches  shall 
be  such  that  the  cord  will  operate  as  a  fusible  link  between  the  electric  control 
and  the  damper  and  will  release  said  damper,  should  the  switches  or  either  of 
them,  fail  to  operate.  Such  stations  shall  be  located  in  such  places  on  the  stage 
as  may  be  determined  by  the  Fire  Marshal,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  para- 
graph, and  each  switch  shall  have  a  sign  with  plain  directions  as  to  the  operation 
of  the  same  printed  thereon. 

348.  Fuse  Boxes.)     Every  fuse  box  shall  be  surrounded  by  two  thicknesses 
of  fireproof  material  with  an  air  space  between,  and  no  fuse  shall  be  exposed  to 
the  air  between  the  switch  boards;  all  electrical  equipment  in  such  rooms  shall  be 
installed  and  maintained  to  the  satisfaction  and  approval  of  the  City  Electrician. 

349.  Capacity— Certification  for   License.)     The    Commissioner    of    Buildings 
shall   determine  the  number  of  persons  which  every  room  used   for  the   purposes 
of  Class  IVc  may  accommodate  according  to  the  provisions  of  this   chapter,   and 
shall  certify  the  same  to  the  City  Clerk.    No  more  than  the  number  so  certified 
shall  be  allowed  in  such  room  at  any  one  time. 

350.  Exits,  Signs  and  Lights.)      (a)     The  word  "Exit"   shall  appear  in  let- 
ters six  inches  high  over  the  openings  to  every  means  of  egress  from  such  room, 
and  a  gas  or  sperm  oil  light   with  red  globe   shall  be   provided  at   or  over   such 
exit  sign. 

(b)  Every  room  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  IVc  and  all  outlets  therefrom 
leading  to  the  streets,  including  passageways,  courts,  corridors,  stairways,  exits, 
and  emergency  stairways,  shall  have  gas  or  electric  lighting  equipment  to  properly 
illuminate  such  room  and  spaces,  and  every  passageway,  court,  corridor,  stairway, 
exit  and  emergency  stairway,  shall  be  provided  with  signs  indicating  the  way 
out  of  the  building,  the  letters  of  which,  shall  not  be  less  than  six  inches  in  height. 

351.  Lights  in  Halls,  Corridors  and  Lobbies— Control  of— Separate  Shutoff— 
Connection  with   Gas  Mains— Protection   of  Suspended  and  Bracket   Lights— Pro- 
tection  of   Lights   Inserted    in   Walls— Protection    of    Footlights— Construction    of 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  51 

Border  Lights,  Ducts  and  Shafts  Conducting  Heated  Air  From  Lights— Protection 
of  Stage  Lights.)  Gas  and  electric  lights  in  the  halls,  passageways,  corridors, 
lobbies,  and  other  means  of  ingress  to  or  egress  from  any  such  room  shall  be 
controlled  by  a  separate  shutoff,  located  in  an  accessible  place,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  controlled  only  in  that  particular 
place.  No  gas  or  electric  light  fixtures  shall  be  inserted  in  the  walls,  woodwork, 
ceilings  or  in  any  part  of  any  such  room,  unless  protected  by  fireproof  materials. 
The  footlights,  if  gas  lights,  shall  be  protected  by  wire  net  work,  and  also  by  a 
strong  wire  guard,  not  less  than  two  feet  distant  from  such  footlights,  and  a 
trough  containing  such  footlights,  shall  be  formed,  and  be  surrounded  by  fireproof 
materials.  Border  lights  *hall  be  constructed  according  to  the  best  known  methods 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  City  Electrician  and  shall  be  suspended  by  a  wire 
rope.  Ducts  and  shafts  used  for  collecting  heated  air  from  the  main  chandelier, 
or  from  any  other  light  or  lights,  shall  be  constructed  of  metal,  and  made  double 
with  an  intervening  air  space.  Stage  lights,  if  gas,  shall  have  strong  wire  guards 
or  metal  screens,  not  less  than  ten  inches  in  diameter,  so  constructed  that  any 
material  coming  in  contact  therewith  shall  be  out  of  reach  of  flame,  and  such 
guards  or  screens  shall  be  firmly  soldered  to  the  fixtures  in  all  cases. 

352.  Apparatus  Under  Control  of  Fire  Marshal.)     The  standpipe,  hose,  vent 
flues,  and  all  apparatus   for  the  extinguishing  of  fire  or   guarding   against  same, 
required  by  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  to  be  provided,  shall  be  at  all  times  so 
provided  and  kept  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  the  Fire  Marshal. 

353.  Scenery    Requirements — Fire   Proof   Solution.)      (a)  All   scenery   on   the 
stage  shall  be  made  stationary,  and  shall   consist  of  not  over  two  asbestos  cur- 
tains, three  stationary  wings  on  each  side  and  four  stationary  border  drops.     All 
scenery  and  stage  paraphernalia  shall  be  treated  with  a  paint  or  chemical  solution 
every  six  months,  which  shall  make  it  non-inflammable,  and  which  treated  scenery 
or  stage  paraphernalia  shall  be  tested  and  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal.     Where 
no  combustible  scenery  is  used  or  where  all  scenery  is  made  of  metal,  the  smoke 
flue  over  the  stage  and  the  standpipes  may  be  dispensed  with  at  the  discretion  of 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  the  Fire  Marshal. 

(b)     Scenery    supported    by    and    constructed    entirely    of    incombustible    ma- 
terial, shall  not  be  considered  as  sets  of  scenery  provided  for  in  this  section. 

354.  Dressing  Room  Partitions.)     Partitions   forming  dressing  rooms,   except 
where    already    built,    shall    be    constructed    of    incombustible    material,    and    such 
•dressing  rooms  shall  be  properly  ventilated. 

355.  Frontage  Consents  Required.)     No  building  of  this  class  shall  hereafter 
be  constructed  for,  or  converted  to  the  use  of  said  class,  unless  frontage  consents 
are  secured  as  required  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago  and  filed  with 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

356.  Class  IVd  Defined.)     In  Class  IVd  shall  be  included  every  grand  stand 
and  every  baseball,  athletic  and  amusement  park. 

357.  Loads— Allowance    for    Live    Loads.)     The    floors    and   stairs    of    grand 
stands   and    bleacher    stands,   existing    or    hereafter    built,    shall   be    designed   and 
constructed  in  such  manner  as   to  be   capable   of  bearing  in   all  their   parts  and 
supports,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  the  floor  construction,  partitions  and  per- 
manent fixtures,  that  may  be  set  upon  the  same,  a  live  load  of  not  less  than  one 


52  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

hundred  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  surface  of  said  floors,  and  a  live  load 
of  not  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  the  bear- 
ing surface  of  the  stairs. 

*358.  Grandstands— Frame  within  Fire  Limits— Grandstands  Hereafter  Con- 
structed—Fireproof—Frontage Consents.)  (a)  Wooden  grandstands  or  tiers  of 
seats  commonly  known  and  described  as  grandstands  now  constructed  or  in  the 
process  of  construction  may  be  erected,  repaired  or  enlarged  within  the  fire  limits 
where  no  part  of  any  such  structure  shall  be  within  sixty  feet  of  any  other  build- 
ing or  structure.  All  grandstands  hereafter  erected  within  the  fire  limits,  except 
as  hereinafter  provided,  shall  be  made  of  fireproof  or  unprotected  steel  construc- 
tion. The  enclosing  walls,  if  enclosed,  shall  be  made  of '^reproof  or  incombustible 
materials  but  the  seats  may  be  made  of  wood.  Grandstands  outside  the  fire  limits, 
or  inside  the  fire  limits  where  the  seating  capacity  does  not  exceed  five  thousand 
persons,  may  be  constructed  of  wood,  but  no  part  of  any  such  structure  shall  be 
within  less  than  sixty  feet  of  any  other  building  or  structure.  The  braces,  sup- 
ports and  the  underside  of  all  seats,  including  bleacher  seats,  shall  be  treated  with 
a  fire  retarding  solution  once  a  year  before  opening  up  the  premises  containing  such 
stand  to  the  public. 

(b)  Every  person,  firm  or  corporation  desiring  a  permit  for  the  construction 
of  a  grandstand,  except  in  connection  with  such  as  are  now  in  existence,  shall  first 
obtain  the  consent  in  writing  of  the  owners  of  a  majority  of  the  frontage  on  both 
sides  of  the  street  or  streets  on  each  side  of  the  block  or  square  in  which  it  is  de- 
sired to  erect  such  grandstand. 

359.  Width    of    Aisles    and   Exits — Number   of   Seats   Between   Aisles.)     (a) 
The  width  of   aisles    and   exits   in   all    grandstands    contemplated    in    Section    356, 
hereafter  constructed,  shall  be  in  no  case  less  than  36  inches  and  such  width  shall 
be  increased  toward  the  exits  which  serve  as  regular  entrances,  such  width  being 
computed   at  the   rate   of  eighteen   inches   per  each    100   seats   or    fractional   part 
thereof  in  non-fireproof  grandstands,   and   at  the  rate  of   twelve   inches   for   each 
100  seats  or  fractional  part  thereof  in  fireproof  grandstands. 

(b)  The  number  of  seats  between  aisles  in  any  row  shall  not  exceed  twenty 
in  non-fireproof  grandstands,  nor  thirty  in  fireproof  grandstands. 

(c)  No  exit,  gate  or  door,  shall  be  locked  or  bolted  during  the  occupancy  of 
such  stands  by  the  public.     All  aisles,  passageways,  corridors  and  exits  shall  be 
kept  free  from  obstructions  of  any  kind. 

360.  Temporary  Seating  Structures.)     Temporary  seating  structures  for  shows 
and  outdoor  exhibitions  and  the  observation  of  holidays  and  special  occasions  may 
be   built    of   combustible    material,    providing    they    are    built    structurally    strong 
enough  to  support  a  live  load  of  one  hundred  pounds  per  square  foot,  and  comply 
with  the  provisions  of  Class  IVb  in  regard  to  means  of  exit,   aisles  and  rows  of 
seats;  and  provided,  further,  that  a  permit  be  secured  from  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  which  shall  in  no  case  be  issued  by  him  until  the  party  desiring  to  erect 
said  temporary   seating   structure   shall   secure  the  written  consent  of   a  majority 
of  the  property  owners  or  their  duly  authorized  agents,  on  both  sides  of  the  street 
between    the   two    nearest    intersecting    streets    on    which    said    temporary    seating 


*As  amended  December  10,  1910.     See  page  3318,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  53 

structure  is  to  be  located.  And  further  provided  that  any  permit  issued  for  any 
such  temporary  seating  structure  as  hereinabove  provided  for  in  this  section  shall 
not  entitle  the  person  so  receiving  said  permit  to  use  said  temporary  seating  struc- 
ture for  more  than  ten  consecutive  days  from  the  first  day  on  which  it  is  so  used; 
and  further  provided  that  any  temporary  seating  structure  provided  for  in  this 
section  shall  be  removed  within  ten  days  after  the  use  of  the  same  as  provided  for 
in  this  section,  and  if  not  so  removed  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  to  order  the  same  to  be  removed  or  torn  down  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

361.  Use  of  Roofs  Used  for  Spectatorial  Purposes — Prohibited.)     It  shall  be 

unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  whether  owner,  lessee,  manager  or  in 
possession  and  control  or  having  charge  of  any  building  within  the  city  to  permit 
the  use  of  the  roof  of  any  such  building,  whether  free  of  charge,  or  through  admis- 
sion fee,  to  any  person  01^  persons  as  a  place  of  observation  or  for  spectatorial 
purposes. 

AMUSEMENT    PARKS. 

362.  Roller    Coaster    Devices.)     No    roller    coaster,    scenic    railway,    or    other 
riding,   sliding,   or  rolling   device,   shall   be   hereafter   erected   of   a   greater   height 
from  the  ground  than  55  feet.     All  such  coasters,  railways,  riding  or  other  devices 
shall  be  equipped  with  safety  clutches.     The  cars,  or  any  receptacles,  which  per- 
sons are  permitted  to  occupy,  or  in  which  they  are  permitted  to  travel,  ascend  or 
descend,  shall  have  hand  rails  of  sufficient  number  and  height  to  prevent   people 
from  being  thrown  therefrom,  and  of  such   character  as   shall  be  approved  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

363.  Frontage   Consents  Required.)     It   shall  hereafter  be  unlawful   for  any 
person,  firm  or  corporation,  to  build,  construct,  establish,  produce  or  carry  on,  any 
amusement  within  any  ground,  garden  or  enclosure  of  the  kind  commonly  known 
and  described  as  amusement  parks,  wherein  shows  of  different  classes  are  offered 
or  presented  by  one  or  more  concessionaries,  without  first  securing  written  front- 
age consents  as  required  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago.     Such   front- 
age consents  shall  be   filed  with   the  Commissioner  of  Buildings   before   a  permit 
shall  be  issued  for  the  construction  of  any  building  or  structure  connected  in  any 
way  with  such  amusement  or  amusement  park. 

*364.  Requirements.)  (a)  Buildings  hereafter  erected  within  an  amusement 
park,  located  outside  the  fire  limits,  shall  comply,  except  as  herein  otherwise  speci- 
fied, with  the  provisions  of  Class  IVb. 

.(b)  Buildings  hereafter  erected  within  amusement  parks  located  outside  of 
the  fire  limits  and  not  exceeding  one  story  in  height  and  which  do  not  contain 
more  than  one  balcony  may  be  built  with  a  self-supporting  steel  frame  designed 
as  required  by  this  chapter.  Such  structures  may  be  enclosed  with  metal  lath 
covered  with  cement  plaster,  which  plaster  shall  be  not  less  than  one  and  one-third 
inches  thick,  or  such  structures  may  be  enclosed  with  galvanized  iron.  The  roofs 
of  such  structures  may  be  of  ordinary  construction  supported  on  steel  trusses  and 
covered  with  a  gravel  or  composition  roof,  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings. 


*As  amended  June  26,  1911.     See  page  600,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 


54  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

(c)     Every  moving  picture  theatre  hereafter  built  within  an  amusement  park 
shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of  Class  IVc. 

365.  Open    Space    Between    Buildings.)     There    shall    be    an    open    and    un- 
obstructed space  of  not  less  than   four  feet  between  each  and  every  frame  build- 
ing hereafter  erected   in  an  amusement  park,  where   the   buildings  do  not  exceed 
twenty  feet  in  height,  and  of  not  less  than  six  feet  where  the  buildings  are  over 
twenty  feet  and  less  than  thirty  feet  in  height,  and  of  not  less  than  ten  feet  where 
the  buildings  are  over  thirty  feet  in  height.     Where  brick  or  concrete  or  other  fire- 
proof walls  of  full  seventeen  inches  in  thickness  are  used  between  such  buildings  and 
where   such  buildings  are   built  of   slow- burning  construction,   these   spaces    shall 
not  be  required,  but,  in  such  cases,  there  shall  be  a  space  of  ten  feat  in  width  at 
intervals  of  every  two  hundred  feet. 

366.  Standpipes— Fire    Plugs— Hose.)     There    shall    be    installed    within    the 
grounds  of  every  amusement  park,  an  adequate  system  of  water  pipss  with  branch 
connection  to  fire   plug,  with  sufficient  hose  connected  to   city   pressure,   so   as  to 
furnish  at   all  times  a  good   and  efficient  force   of  water,   which   will   enable   the 
extinguishing  of   fire  at   or  within  «ach   and  every   building.     The   size   of  water 
mains,  standpipes,  fire  plugs,  hose,  as  well  as  the  location,  number  and  quantity 
of  same,  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal.     All  hose  connection 
shall  be  the  standard  size  used  by  the  Fire  Department  of  Chicago  and  shall  be 
approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

367.  Roller  Coasters — Scenic  Railways,  Etc.— Permit  Fee— Certificate  of  Test 
and  Safety.)     Before  any  roller  coaster,  scenic  railway,  water  chute,  or  other  me- 
chanical, riding,   sailing,  sliding  or   swinging  device   is  erected,  either  in   existing 
or  new  amusement  parks,  a  detailed  plan  shall  be  submitted  to  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings,   for  his  approval  or  rejection,   and,   if   approved,   a   permit   shall  be 
procured  by  the  person,  firm  or  corporation  desiring  to  erect  such  device.     The 
permit    fee    shall    be    fifty   dollars    for    each    such    device.     Before    such    device    is 
opened  to  the  public  each  season,  a  certificate  of  inspection,  signed  by  a  competent 
engineer,  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  must  be  furnished,  certifying 
to  the  practicability,   strength  and  safety  of  such  devices,  and  all  such  device  or 
devices    shall   be    examined   by  the    Commissioner    of    Buildings    or   his   employees 
upon  completion  and  each  year  before  opening  up  to  the  public. 

368.  Must  Comply  With  All  Ordinances.)     It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  per- 
son, firm  or  corporation  to  construct,  alter  or  operate  any  amusement  park  or  any 
building  or  structure  therein  unless  they  comply  with  the  ordinances  of  the  city 
relative  thereunto. 


ARTICLE    VIII. 

CLASS    V. 

369.  Class  V  Defined.)  In  Class  V  shall  be  included  every  building  which  is 
used  as  a  public  theatre  where  an  admission  fee  is  charged  and  in  which  movable 
scenery  is  used,  and  every  assembly  hall  hereafter  erected  having  a  seating  ca- 
pacity of  over  300  and  containing  a  permanent  stage  on  which  scenery  and 
theatrical  apparatus  are  used  and  regular  theatrical  vaudeville  performances 
are  given;  provided,  however,  that  public  halls  and  club  halls  with  a  seating 
capacity  of  less  than  six  hundred,  although  occasionally  used  for  theatrical 
presentation,  shall  not  be  considered  as  public  theaters  within  the  meaning  of 
the  term  as  used  in  this  section,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  movable  scenery 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  55 

is  used  upon  the  stages  thereof  on  such  occasions,  and  such  public  halls  and  club 
halls  shall  not  be  considered  as  buildings  of  Class  V  as  herein  defined.  Such 
public  halls  and  club  halls  shall  be  included  in  Class  IV  as  defined  in  this 
section. 

369%.  Must  Comply  With  General  and  Special  Provisions.)  Every  building 
of  Class  V  shall  comply  with  the  general  provisions  of  this  chapter  and  shall 
also  comply  with  the  following  special  provisions: 

370.  City    Officers    Empowered    to    Enter    Buildings.)     The    Commissioner    of 
Buildings,  Commissioner  of  Health,  Fire  Marshal,  City  Electrician,  Superintendent 
of  Police,  or  any  of  them,  and  their  respective  assistants,  shall  have  the  right  to 
enter  any  building  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  V,  and  any 
and  all  parts  thereof,  at  any  reasonable  time,  and  at  any  time  when  occupied  by 
the  public,  in  order  to  examine  such  buildings,  to  judge   of  the  condition  of  the 
same  and  to  discharge  their  respective   duties,  and  it  shall  be   unlawful  for   any 
person  to  interfere  with  them,  or  any  of  them,  in  the  performance  of  their  duties. 

371.  City    Officers    Empowered    to    Close.)    .The    Commissioner    of    Buildings, 
Commissioner  of  Health,  Fire  Marshal,  City  Electrician  and  the  Superintendent  of 
Police,  or  any  one  of  them,  shall  have  the  power,  and  it  shall  be  their  joint  and 
several   duty,  to  order   any  building  used   wholly  or   in   part  for  the   purposes   of 
Class  V,  closed,  where  it  is  discovered  that  there  is  any  violation  of  any  of  the 
provisions  of  the   chapter,  and   keep   same   closed  until   such   provisions  are   com- 
plied with. 

372.  License — Mayor   Shall   Revoke.)     Upon   a   report   to   the  Mayor  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  Commissioner  of  Health,  Fire  Marshal,  City  Electrician 
or  the  Superintendent  of  Police  that  any  requirement  ,,of  this  chapter  or  that  any 
order  given  by  them  or  any  of  them  in  regard  thereto  has  been  violated,  or  not 
complied  with,  the  Mayor  shall  revoke  the  license  of  any  such  theatre  or  place  of 
amusement  so  reported  and  cause  the  same  to  be  closed. 


BUILDINGS  OF  CLASS  V  NOW  IN  EXISTENCE. 

373.  Buildings  of  Class  V  Now  in  Existence.)     The  following  provisions  shall 
apply  to  Class  V  buildings  in  existence  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordi- 
nance: 

374.  Walls — Outside — Must  Comply  with  Requirements  of  Section  519.)     The 
outside  walls  of  all  such  buildings  in  existence  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this 
ordinance,  the  roofs  or  ceilings  of  which  are  carried  on  trusses  or  girders  of  a  span 
of  fifty  feet  or  more,  shall  comply  with  the  requirements  of  Section  519. 

375.  Columns   in   Walls — Alterations.)     If   iron    or   steel   columns   are   intro- 
duced in   the  walls   referred   to   in   Section   374,   the  brick   work   around  the   same 
shall  be  bonded  into  that  of  the  connecting  walls,  and  each  of  such  columns  shall 
be  fireproofed  as  provided  in  Sections  624  and  625  of  this  chapter.     All  alterations 
in  such  existing  buildings,   to   make  them  comply  with    the   requirements  of  this 
chapter  may  be  executed  with  the  same  kind  of  materials  as  those  originally  used 
in  the   construction   of   such  buildings;    provided,   that  after   the    said  building   is 
brought  into  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  then  all   subsequent 
alterations,  enlargements,  repairs,  replaced  or  strengthened  structural  parts  dam- 
aged by  fire,  wear  and  tear,  or  otherwise,  shall  be  made  of  fireproof  construction 


56  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

or  iron  or  steel  construction  covered  with  fireproof  materials,  as  provided  by  this 
chapter. 

376.  Other  Classes  Built  in  Conjunction  with  Class  V — Doors  for  Openings 
Between  Connecting  Buildings.)  In  all  cases  where  existing  buildings  used  wholly 
or  in  part  for  the  pan-poses  of  Class  V  are  built  in  conjunction  with  or  as  part 
of  buildings  devoted  to  the  uses  of  other  classes  and  where  such  buildings  of  the 
other  classes,  as  specified  in  this  ordinance,  are  not  built  entirely  of  fireproof  con- 
struction, double  iron  doors  shall  be  placed  at  each  connecting  opening  between 
such  buildings  of  Class  V  and  the  building  connected  therewith. 

*377.  Floor  Levels — Limitations  of.)  (a)  Any  audience  room  used  for  the 
purposes  of  Class  V  now  in  existence  containing  in  the  aggregate  not  more  than 
five  hundred  seats,  if  in  a  fireproof  building,  may  be  maintained  in  any  story 
thereof,  but  in  such  case  there  shall  be  at  least  two  stairways  to  the  ground, 
from  the  floor  or  floors  on  which  each  such  room  is  located,  each  of  which'  stair- 
ways shall  be  not  less  than  four  feet  in  width  in  the  clear.  , 

(b)  In  existing  buildings  of  fireproof  construction,  having  an  audience  room 
with  a  seating  capacity  of  more  than  five  hundred  and  less  than  fifteen  hundred, 
the  lowest  bank  of  seats  of  the  main  floor  thereof  shall  be  not  more  than  twelve 
feet  above  the  street  level,  and  every  such  building  shall  in  all  other  respects  con- 
form to  the  requirements  of  this  ordinance.  The  main  floor  of  any  existing 
theatre  of  any  kind  of  construction  shall  not  be  raised  above  its  present  elevation. 

378.  Loads — Allowance  for  Live  Loads  in  Construction  of  Floors  of  Class  V.) 
For  all  buildings  of  Class  V  all  floors  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such 
manner  as  to  be  capable  of  supporting  in  all  their  parts,  in  addition  to  the  weight 
of  floor  construction  partitions  and  permanent  fixtures  and  mechanisms  that  may 
be  set  upon  the  same,  a  live  load  of  one  hundred  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of 
s.urface  in  such  floors. 

379.  Stairways— Entrances  and  Exits.)     (a)     Stairways,  affording  egress  from 
any  room  or  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  V  shall  be  equivalent  in  width 
to  twenty  inches  for  every  one  hundred  of  seating  capacity  of  such  room,  and  for 
fractional  parts  of  one  hundred   a  proportionate  part  of  twenty  inches   shall   be 
added,  but  no  such  stairway  shall  be  less  than  four  feet  wide  in  the  clear,  except 
as  hereinafter  provided  in  this  section. 

(b)  All  such   stairways   shall  have   hand   railings  on  each   side  thereof  and 
shall  not  ascend  to  a  greater  height  than  thirteen  feet  six  inches  without  a  level 
landing,  and  the  length  and  width  of  such  landing  shall  not  be  less  than  the  width 
of  the  stairs.     No  run  of  stairs  shall  consist  of  less  than  six  risers  between  plat- 
forms, and  risers  shall  not  be  placed  on  return  platforms.     Stairways  which  are 
over  7  feet  wide  shall  have  double  intermediate  handrails  with  end  newel  posts  at 
least  5y2  feet  high. 

(c)  Steps  shall  not  have  a  greater  rise  than   8   inches,  treads  shall   not  be 
narrower  than  10  inches,  and  winders  shall  not  be  used  on  any  staircase,  except 
where  circular  staircases  are  expressly  permitted. 

(d)  In    existing    theatres    every    balcony    and    gallery    shall    have    separate 
and    distinct    entrance   stairways    from    the    sidewalk   level,    except   that    in    cases 


*As   amended  July   22,   1912.     See   page    1676,   Journal   of  the   Proceedings   of 
the   City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  57 


where  the  vestibule  or  entrance  to  any  such  theatre  is  not  more  than  fifteen  inches, 
or  two  steps,  above  the  sidewalk  level  and  such  steps  are  at  or  near  the  building 
line,  the  stairways  to  such  balcony  and  gallery  may  ascend  from  the  floor  of  such 
vestibule  or  entrance,  but  if  the  run  of  the  stairs  at  the  bottom  is  not  toward 
the  street,  there  shall  be  a  hand  rail  or  rails,  three  feet  above  the  floor  constructed 
from  the  foot  of  such  stairways  for  a  distance  of  not  less  than  five  feet  leading 
toward  the  street.  All  doors  intervening  between  such  stairways  and  the  street 
shall,  during  each  and  every  performance,  be  kept  unfastened. 

(e)  There  shall  be  an  iron   stairway  or  stairways  from  the  stage  to  the  fly 
galleries  and  gridiron,  continuing  to  the  roof  of  the  building  or  to  some  fireproof 
passageway   or  exit.     Such    stairways  may   be   circular.     Such   circular   stairways, 
however,  shall  not  be  used  for  access  to  the  dressing  rooms. 

(f)  Every  stairway  leading  to   a  box   or  boxes   shall   be  independent  of   all 
ether  stairs   or   seats;    and  such    stairway  shall  not   be   less  than   two   feet   eight 
inches  wide  in  the  clear,  when  such  box  or  boxes  seat  not  to  exceed  thirty  people, 
and  an  additional  width  of  one  inch  shall  be  added  to  such  stairway  for  each  addi- 
tional five  persons  for  whohi  seating  capacity  is  provided. 

(g)  Every  stairway  on  the  stage  side  of  the  proscenium  Avail   shall  be  not 
less  than  two  feet  six  inches  wide. 

(h)  Instead  of  increasing  the  width  required  for  entrances,  aisles,  exits  and 
stairways  to  that  required  by  this  chapter,  the  owner,  lessee  or  manager  of  any 
such  theatre  shall  have  the  privilege  of  reducing  the  number  of  permanent  seats 
therein  until  the  same  ratio  between  such  width  and  number  of  seats  as  hereinbe- 
fore provided  for  shall  be  established,  and  if  such  privilege  be  taken  advantage 
of;  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  make  inspection  and 
certify  that  such  ratio  actually  exists  before  a  license  for  the  operation  of  any 
such  theatre  shall  be  issued. 

380.  Floors  and. Exits.)     Floors  at  all  exits  shall  be  level  and  flush  with  adja- 
cent inside  floors   and  shall   extend   for  an  unbroken   width  of  not   less  than  four 
feet  in  front  of  each  exit,  and  shall  be  two  feet  wider  than  such  exit. 

381.  Seats  in  Rows  Between  Aisles.)      (a)     Not  more  than  ten  seats  in  any 

row  shall  be  permitted  between  aisles  in  any  gallery.  On  the  main  floor  and 
balcony  not  more  than  eleven  seats  shall  be  permitted  between  aisles;  except  in 
rows  of  seats  which  are  within  twenty  feet  from  the  exits,  in  which  case  thirteen 
seats  shall  be  permitted  between  aisles. 

(b)  Seats  shall  be  not  less  than  twenty  inches  in  width  measured  at  the  top 
of  the  seat  backs.     Rows  of  seats  shall  be  not  less  than  two  feet  eight  inches  from 
back  to  back. 

No  bank  of  seats  shall  be  of  greater  rise  than  twenty- two  inches. 

(c)  All  groups  of  seats  shall  be  so  arranged  that  there  shall  be  an  aisle  at 
each  side  of  each  group,  except  that  groups  of  five  seats  or  less  may  abut  upon 
a  tunnel  at  one  side  and  an  aisle  at  the  other.     And  except  that  a  bank  of  seats 
abutting  boxes  or  walls  on  main  floor,  balcony,  and  gallery,  of  not  over  five  seat* 
in  a  row,  shall  be  required  to  abut  upon  one  aisle  only. 

(d)  The  number  of  banks  of  seats  on  the  main  floor  shall  not  exceed  fifteen, 
unless  an  intervening  or  cross  aisle  is  provided  between  each  fifteen  banks  of  seats 
or  unless  a  direct  exit  is  provided  for  each  aisle. 

(e)  The  number  of  banks  of  seats  in  the  balcony  shall  not  exceed  nine  unless 


58  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

an  intervening  or  cross  aisle  is  provided  between  each  nine  banks  of  seats  or 
unless  a  direct  exit  be  provided  for  each  aisle. 

382.  Tunnels — Cross  Aisles — Vertical  Rise — Foyer.)      (a)     There  shall  be  no 
more  than  twelve  feet  rise  measured  vertically  in  any  aisle  in  any  gallery  without 
a  direct  exit  by  tunnel  or  otherwise  to  a  corridor  with  free  opening  on  to  the  gal- 
lery stairs  or  other  direct  discharge  to  the  street,  or  at  such  elevation  of  twelve 
feet  an  intervening  or  cross  aisle  leading  directly  to  an  exit.     No  tunnel  shall  be 
less  than  three  feet  wide  in  the  clear. 

(b)     No  foyer  shall  be  open  to  the  theatre  proper  except  through  the  exits. 

383.  Main   Floor— Balcony   and   Gallery — Designation   of.)      (a)      The   lower 
floor   of   all  theatres   shall  be   designated   the   "Main   Floor." 

(b)  Where  there  are  balconies  or  galleries,  the  first  balcony  or  gallery  shall 
be  designated  the  "Balcony,"  and  the  second  and  third  balcony  or  gallery  shall  be 
designated,  respectively,  "Gallery"  and  ''Second  Gallery." 

384.  Aisles,    Corridors    and    Passageways  —  Kept    Unobstructed  —  Steps    in 
Aisles.)      (a)     The  minimum  width  of  aisles  with  diverging  sides   in  any  room 
used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  V  shall  be  two  feet  eight  inches   at   the  end  near 
the  stage  and  not  less  than  three  feet  at  the  other  end. 

(b)  The  minimum  width  of  aisles  with  parallel  sides  shall  be  three  feet. 

(c)  Every  aisle  shall  lead  as  nearly  as  possible  directly  to  an  exit,  but  in  no 
case  shall  the  center  line  of  such  exit  be  more  than  three  feet  from  the  center  line 
of  any  such  aisle  leading  thereto. 

(d)  Steps  shall  not  be  permitted  in  aisles  except  as  extending  from  bank  to 
bank  of  seats,  and  no  riser  shall  be  greater  than  8  inches,  and  no  tread  shall  be 
less  than  10  inches,  and  whenever  the  rise  from  bank  to  bank  of  seats  is  less  than 
five  inches,  the  floor  of  the  aisles  shall  be  made  as  an  inclined  plane,  and  where 
steps  are  placed  in  outside  aisles  or  corridors  they  shall  not 'be  isolated,  but  shall 
be  grouped  together   and  a   light  shall   be  maintained   so   that  every   place  where 
there  are  steps  in  inclosing  aisles  or  corridors  shall  be  clearly  lighted. 

(e)  All  aisles,  passageways,  corridors  and  exits  shall  be  kept  free  from  camp 
stools,  chairs,  sofas  and  other  obstructions,  and  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  stand 
in  or  occupy  any  of  such  aisles,  passageways,  corridors  or  exits  during  any  per- 
formance,  service,  exhibition,   lecture,  concert  or  any   public   assemblage. 

385.  Corridors,    Passageways,    Hallways    and    Doors — Width    of.)     (a)     The 

width  of  corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doors  shall  be  computed  in  the  same 
manner  as  that  hereinbefore  provided  for  stairways,  excepting,  however,  that  no 
corridor  shall  be  anywhere  less  than  four  feet  in  width,  and  no  door  less  than  three 
feet  wide,  except  as  otherwise  herein  provided. 

(b)  All  corridors,  passageways,  hallways,  and  stairways  leading  from  any 
balcony  or  gallery  to  any  toilet  room,  retiring  room,  smoking  room,  check  room  or 
private  office,  shall  lead  directly  to  an  outer  exit  of  the  building.  Such  corridors, 
passageways,  hallways,  and  stairways  shall  be  at  least  three  feet  in  width  in  every 
part,  and  shall  be  unobstructed  in  every  part  except  by  doors,  not  less  than  three 
feet  in  width  in  the  clear,  which  shall  swing  outward  and  which  shall  not  have 
locks  or  catches  of  any  kind  whatever. 

386.  Doors— Entrance.)      (a)     The  width  of  entrance  doors  to  every  theatre 
shall  be  computed  on  the  basis  of  twenty  inches  in  the  clear  to  each  one  hundred 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  59 

permanent   seats   in  the  audience   room  and   in   addition  thereto   a  proportionate 
part  of  twenty  inches  for  the  fractional  part  of  one  hundred  seats  shall  be  added. 

(b)  No  mirror  or  architectural  feature  shall  be  so  arranged  as  to  give  the 
appearance  of  a  doorway,  window,  exit,  hallway  or  corridor,  where  none  exists. 

387.  Dressing  Room  Partitions.)     Partitions  forming  dressing  rooms,  except 
where  already  built,  shall  be  constructed  of  incombustible  material,  and  such  dress- 
ing rooms  shall  be  properly  ventilated. 

388.  Emergency  Exits — Width — Emergency  Stairs — Width — Emergency  Exits 
Inside  Walls  of  Buildings — Fire  Escapes,  Construction — Fire  Escapes  Leading  to 
Street  or  Alley — Doors  Open  Outward.)   (a)  Emergency  exits  and  stairways  shall  be 
provided  separately  for  each  floor,  balcony  and  gallery  and   shall  be  of  the   samo 
aggregate  width  as  that  provided  for  the  main  exits,  and  shall  not  be  less  than 
three  feet  in  width.     Such   emergency  stairways   shall   be  made  of   iron,  steel   or 
other  incombustible  materials.     Such  emergency  exits  shall  be  kept  free  of  obstruc- 
tions of  every  kind,  including  snow  and  ice. 

(b)  Such   emergency   exits   and   stairways   may   be  built    inside  the   walls   of 
the  building,  provided  they  are  enclosed  by  a  fireproof  partition  not  less  than  four 
inches    thick    separating    the    exits    and    stairways    from    the    audience    room    or 
auditorium. 

(c)  If  said  emergency  exits   lead  outside   the  building,   the   opening   leading 
thereto  shall  have  metal  doors  with  wired  glass  panels.     The  doors  shall  open  out- 
ward, and  shall  be  hung  from  the  inside  corner  of  the  jambs,  and  so  constructed 
as    not  to   project,  when   opened,  beyond   the   outside    face    of    the    wall.     Outside 
shutters   will   not   be   permitted,   except  when    they  open    automatically    from   the 
interior,  without   resistance,  and  when  used  or  opened  will   automatically   fasten, 
securely,  flat  against  the  wall,  so  as  not  to  obstruct  the  passage  on  the  outside;  all 
such  automatic  devices  or  attachments  to  said  doors  or  shutters  shall  be  subject  to 
the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  the  Fire  Marshal  of  the  City 
of  Chicago. 

(d)  Whenever  any  such  emergency  stairway  passes  over  an  exit  door,  window 
or  other  opening,  such   stairway  shall  be  completely   inclosed  for  a   space  of  five 
feet  greater    in  width   than   such    opening,    by   iron,    steel   or   other   incombustible 
material. 

(e)  All  such  emergency  exits  and  stairways  shall  land  at  the  ground  level  in 
a  public  thoroughfare  or  in  some  space  that  connects  directly  with  a  street  or  alley 
and  direct  and  immediate  exit  to  such  public  thoroughfare  shall  not  be  obstructed 
by  any  doors,  gates,  bars  or  obstruction  of  any  character. 

(f)  Every  court  in  which  there  is  an  emergency  stairway  shall  have  direct 
and  unobstructed  access  along  the  surface  of  the  ground  to  a  street,  alley  or  yard 
opening  into  an  alley,  or  street,  without  entering  into  or  passing  through  or  over 
any  building  unless  by  a  fireproof  passage  at  least  four  feet  wide  and  seven  feet  high 
on  the  court  or  ground  level. 

(g)  All  doors  in  openings  from  any  and  all  exits  and  stairways  shall  be  so 
constructed  that  when   opened   they  shall  not  obstruct  any   portion  of  any  other 
doorway,  opening  or  passageway. 

(h)  All  doors  affording  ingress  to  or  egress  from  any  theatre  shall  open 
outward  and  such  doors  shall  be  so  constructed  and  maintained  as  to  require  no 
special  knowledge  or  effort  to  open  them  from  the  interior. 


65  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

389.  Wall— Brick   Proscenium   Wall   Between   Auditorium   and   Stage — Steel 
Curtain  Fireproofed  on  Stage  Side — No  Combustible  Material  on  Audience  Side- 
Plans    for    Curtains— Permit    from    Building    Department— Inspection    Fee.)       (a) 
There  shall  be  in  every  theatre  a  solid  brick  wall  of  the  same  construction  and 
thickness  as  is  required  in  outside  walls  between  the  auditorium  and  the  stage.  The 
main  proscenium  opening  shall  have  a  substantial  steel  curtain  vertically  operated 
and  fireproofed  on  the  stage  side,  which  shall  be  raised  and  lowered  by  mechanical 
power  and  shall  be  in  constant  use  as  the  regular  curtain  and  act  drop.     In  vaude- 
ville houses  said  curtain  shall  be  lowered  at  least  once  during  each  performance. 

(b)  No  combustible  material  other  than  painted  decorations  shall  be  applied 
to  the  audience  side  of  such  curtains. 

(c)  Plans  for  such  curtains  shall  be  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings and  a  permit  obtained  previous  to  its  erection.     The  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings shall  inspect  such  curtain  semi-annually,   for  which  inspection   a   fee   of  five 
dollars  shall  be  charged. 

(d)  All  other  openings  in  such  proscenium  wall  shall  have  iron  doors,  frames 
and  thresholds. 

390.  Stage — Construction  of — Fireproof  Paint— Scenery — How  Treated.)      (a) 
The  framing  of  the  floor  of  every  stage  shall  be  of  iron  or  steel.     The  stage  floor 
may    be    of    wood    not    less    than    one    and    three-fourths    inches    thick,    and    the 
under  side  of  stage  floor  shall  be  saturated  with  a  fireproof  solution  satisfactory  to 
the  Fire  Marshal.     The  entire  floor  construction  and  floor  of  fly  galleries,  rigging 
lofts  and  paint  gallery,  all  railings  and  supports  and  stanchions  thereon,  and  all 
sheaves,  pulleys  and  cables  and  their  supports,  shall  be  of  iron  or  steel.    All  wood- 
work and  all  framing  for  scenery  used  on  or  about  the  stage  shall  also  be  saturated 
with  a  fireproof  solution,  the  same  as  prescribed  for  stage  flooring. 

(b)  Counter  weighting  of  scenery  must  be  done  with  incombustible  weights 
carried  on  steel  cables  and  operated  in  grooves  or  slotted  channels;   except  that 
small    sandbags,    weighing  not    over   eight   pounds,    may    be    used    to    bring   down 
scenery  ropes  to  stage  level. 

(c)  No  scenery  or  stage  paraphernalia  of  any  sort  shall  be  used  upon  the  stage 
of  any  room  used  for  theatrical   purposes,  unless  such  scenery  and  paraphernalia 
shall  have  been  treated  with  a  fireproof  or  chemical  solution  which  shall  make  it 
non-inflammable,  and  which  treated  scenery  or  stage  paraphernalia,  or  both,  shall 
be  tested  and  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

391.  Vestibule  for  Stage  Doors.)     All  doorways  and  openings  in  the  rear  or 
sides  of  the  stage  shall  be  vestibuled  or  arranged  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings   so   as  to   protect  the   curtain,  scenery   and  auditorium 
against  draughts  of  air. 

392.  Vents— Flue  Pipes,  Size  of— Dampers — Switches  for  Dampers.)     (a)     One 
or  more  vents,  or  flue  pipes,  of  metal  construction  or  other  incombustible  material, 
suitable   for   carrying  away    smoke,    approved   by   the   Commissioner   of  Buildings, 
and  extending  not  less  than  fifteen  feet  above  the  highest  point  of  the  roof  and 
equivalent  in  area  to  one-twentieth  of  the  area  of  the  stage,  shall  be  built  over 
the  stage. 

(b)  In  buildings  where  additional  stories  are  built  above  the  stage,  such  vents 
or  flue  pipes  may  be  carried  out  near  the  top  of  the  stage  walls  and  shall  be  con- 
tinued and  run  up  on  the  exterior  of  the  building  to  a  point  five  feet  above  the 
highest  point  of  such  additional  stories. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  61 


<c)  All  such  flues  or  vents  shall  be  provided  with  metal  dampers  which  shall 
by  controlled  or  operated  by  a  small  tarred  hempen  cord  and  also  by  two  electric 
switches,  one  at  the  electrician's  station  on  the  stage,  which  station  shall  be 
fireproof  and  the  other  at  the  stage  fireman's  station  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
stage;  the  arrangement  o£  said  cord  and  said  electric  switches  shall  be  such  that 
the  cord  will  operate  as  a  fusible  link  between  the  electric  control  and  the  damper 
and  will  release  said  damper,  should  the  switches  or  either  of  them,  fail  to  operate. 
Such  stations  shall  be  located  in  such  places  on  the  stage  as  may  bo  determined 
by  the  Fire  Marshal,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  paragraph,  and  each  switch 
shall  have  a  sign  with  plain  directions  as  to  the  operation  of  the  same  printed 
thereon. 

(d)  All  fuse  boxes  shall  be  surrounded  by  two  thicknesses  of  fireproof  ma- 
terial, with  an  air  space  between,  and  no  fuses  shall  be  exposed  to  the  air  between 
the  switch  board. 

393.  Automatic  Sprinklers — Location  of — Tank — Connections.)  (a)  An  ap- 
proved system  of  automatic  sprinklers  shall  be  provided  in  every  theatre  of  this 
class,  with  approved  automatic  closed  circuit  electric  devices,  connecting  the  valves 
regulating  the  flow  of  water  in  the  various  sprinkler  pipes,  with  the  headquarters 
;  of  the  city  fire  alarm  telegraph  and  such  other  place  or  places  as  the  Fire  Marshal 
shall  direct,  so  arranged  as  to  prevent  any  tampering  with  the  system  or  the 
shutting  off  of  the  water  from  the  sprinkler  pipes,  without  automatic  notice  to  the 
Fire  Department. 

(b)  Such  system  of  automatic  sprinklers  shall  be  supplied  with  water  from  a 
tank  located  not  less  than  twenty  feet  above  the  level  of  the  highest  sprinkler  head 
In  the  system,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  fireman  provided  for  in  this  ordinance 
to  include  in  his  daily  report  the  result  of  an  inspection  to  determine  the  sufficiency 
of  water  in  this  tank.  Automatic  sprinklers  shall  be  placed  in  the  paint  room, 
store  room,  property  room,  scene-storage  room,  carpenter  shop  and  dressing  rooms. 
If  such  rooms  are  in  or  connected  with  a  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
V,  such  tank  shall  not  be  connected  with  a  stand  pipe  and  ladder  system,  but  shall 
be  filled  through  a  separate  pipe  from  a  fire  pump,  and  a  three-inch  iron  pipe 
shall  extend  from  such  tank  to  the  outside  of  such  building,  with  Siamese  con- 
nections for  fire  department  use.  Such  entire  automatic  sprinkler  system  and 
equipment  and  the  location  thereof  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire 
Marshal. 

*394.    Fire  Apparatus  on  Stage — Hand  Fire  Pumps — Fire  Apparatus.)     (a)   A 

standpipe  not  less  than  two  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter,  having  a  hose  valve  or 
valves  thereon  shall  be  installed  on  each  side  of  the  stage,  with  a  hose  connection 
at  the  stage  and  at  each  floor  level  above  and  below  the  stage.  Such  stand  pipes 
shall  be  connected  with  a  frost  protected  tank  on  the  roof,  containing  not  less 
than  3,000  gallons  of  water,  and  also  with  a  power  pump.  A  length  of  approved 
one  and  one-half  inch  unlined,  linen  hose,  with  five-eighths  inch  smooth  bore 
nozzle,  shall  be  attached  to  eaclT  outlet.  Hose,  when  not  in  use,  shall  be  mounted 
on  self  releasing  racks  of  approved  pattern.  Approved  portable  fire  extinguishers 
or  hand  fire  pumps,  shall  always  be  kept  ready  for  use  on  and  under  the  stage, 


*As   amended   October    30,    1911.     See   pages    1508    and    1509,   Journal   of   the 
Proceedings  of  the  City  Council. 


62  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

in  fly  galleries  and  in  rigging  lofts,  and,  in  addition  thereto,  at  least  four  fire 
department  axes  and  six  pike  poles  shall  be  kept  ready  for  use  on  each  tier  or 
floor  of  the  stage. 

(b)  [Repealed  October  30,  1911.    See  page  1508,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council.] 

(c)  All  of  the  above  mentioned  equipment  shall  be  installed  and  maintained 
under  the  direction  of  and  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

(d)  The  use  of  ordinary  hot-air  furnaces  or  stoves  is  prohibited. 

395.  Lighting — Independent    Lighting    System    for    Exits — Red    Lights    Over 
Exits.)      (a)     All  stairways  and  corridors  shall  be  supplied  with  a  supplementary 
lighting  system  of  electricity,  gas  or  sperm  oil,  and  such  system  shall  be  independ- 
ent of  all  other  lights  in  such  building  and  shall  be  in  operation  during  the  entire 
period   such    theatre   is   open    to   the    public    and  until   the  audience   has   left  the 
building.     The  word  "EXIT"  shall  appear  in  letters  at  least  six  inches  high  over 
the  opening  to  every  means  of  egress  from  such  theatre  and  a  red  light  furnished 
by  gas  or  sperm  oil  shall  be  provided  over  such  sign. 

(b)  In  every  theatre,  every  portion  thereof  devoted  to  the  use  or  accommo- 
dation of  the  public,  and  all  outlets  therefrom  leading  to  the  streets,  including 
open  courts,  corridors,  stairways,  exits  and  emergency  stairways,  shall  have  gas 
or  electric  lighting  equipment  to  properly  illuminate  such  rooms  and  spaces,  and 
every  passageway,  court,  corridor,  stairway,  exit  and  emergency  stairway  shall  be 
provided  with  signs  indicating  the  way  out  of  the  building,  the  letters  of  which 
shall  not  be  less  than  six  inches  in  height. 

396.  Lights — Control    of    Lights  in   Halls,    Corridors   and    Lobbies — Separate 
Shut-off — Connections    with    Gas    Mains — Independent    Connections — Protection    of 
Suspended  and  Bracket  Lights— Protection  of  Lights  Inserted  in  Walls— Protection 
of  Footlights — Construction  of  Border  Lights — Ducts  and  Shafts  Conducting  Heated 
Air   from   Lights  — Gas   Stage   Lights   to    Have    Metal   Screens.)      Gas    and   elec- 
tric   lights    in    the    halls,    corridors,    lobbies    or    any    other    part    of    any    theatre 
used     by     the     audience,     except    the     auditorium,     shall    be     controlled     by     a 
separate  s'hut-uff,  located  in  the  lobby,  and  controlled  only  in  that  particular  place. 
Gas    mains    supplying    such    theatre    shall    have    independent    connections    for    the 
auditorium  and  the  stage,  and  provisions  shall  be  made  for  shutting  off  the  gas  from 
the   outside    of  the   building.      Suspended  or   bracket   lights    surrounded  by   glass 
in  the  auditorium,  or  in  any  other  part  of  the  theatre,  shall  be  provided  with  proper 
wire  netting  underneath'.     No  gas  or  electric  lights  shall  be  inserted  in  the  walls, 
woodwork,  ceilings,  or   in   any  part  of  the  theatre,  unless   protected  by  fireproof 
materials.      Border    lights    shall    be    constructed    according    to     the     best    known 
method  and  subject    to  the  approval  of    the    Fire    Marshal    and    the    City  Elec- 
trician,   and   shall    be   suspended    by    wire     rope.       Ducts    and    shafts    used    for 
conducting    heated    air    from    the   main    chandelier,    or    from    any   other    light    or 
lights,  shall  be  constructed  of  metal  and  made  double,  with  an  air  space  between. 
Gas  stage   lights  shall   have    strong  metal   wire   guards  or   screens  not   less   than 
ten  inches  in  diameter,  so  constructed  that  any  material  coming  in  contact  there- 
with shall  be  out  of  reach  of  the  flames  of  such  lights,  and  shall  be  soldered  to 
the  fixtures  in  all  cases. 

397.  Fire  Apparatus— Under  Control  of  Fire  Department.)     The  standpipes, 
automatic  sprinklers,  gas  pipes,  electric  wires,  hose,  footlights,  fire  alarm  boxes,  fire- 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  63 

proof  proscenium  curtain,  switch  boxes,  ventilators,  controlling  levers,  axes  and  pike 
poles,  and  all  apparatus  for  the  extinguishing  of  fire  or  guarding  against  the  same, 
as  provided  for  by  this  ordinance,  shall  be  made  and  kept  at  all  times  in  condition 
satisfactory  to  and  under  the  control  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

398.  Fire  Alarm  Apparatus.)  Every  theatre  shall  be  provided  with  an  approved 
system  of  automatic  or  manual   fire  alarm  telegraph   apparatus  connected  by   the 
necessary  wires  with  the  headquarters  of  the  city  fire  alarm  telegraph  and  such  other 
place  or  places  as  the  Fire  Marshal  may  direct.     The  number  and  location  of  the 
boxes  and  the  character  of  the  system,  whether  automatic  or  manual,  or  both,  shall 
be  determined  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

399.  Capacity— Certification    for   License.)      The    Commissioner    of    Buildings 
shall  determine  the  number  of  persons  which  every  room  used  for  the  purposes  of 
Class  V  may   accommodate  according  to  the  provisions  of  this  chapter   and   shall 
certify  the  same  to  the  City  Clerk.     No  more  than  the  number  so  certified  shall 
be  allowed  in  such  room  at  any  one  time. 

*400.  Theatres  in  Frame  Buildings  Prohibited.)  On  and  after  July  first,  1911, 
no  frame  building  or  part  thereof  within  the  city  shall  be  used  as  a  moving  picture, 
vaudeville  or  other  theatre;  provided,  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  held 
to  apply  to  any  frame  building  existing  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordi- 
nance and  in  which  a  moving  picture,  vaudeville  or  other  theatre  is  being  main- 
tained at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance,  where  all  the  scenery,  if  any, 
used  in  connection  with  such  moving  picture,  vaudeville  or  other  theatre,  is  con- 
structed of  either  sheet-metal  or  asbestos,  and  where  the  amount  of  exit  space 
for  such  theatre  is  at  least  fifty  (50)  inches  for  each  one  hundred  (100)  seats 
therein  contained,  and  where  there  is  no  living  apartment  of  any  kind  used, 
maintained  or  occupied  as  such  in  any  part  of  said  building. 


TO  BUILDINGS  OF  CLASS  V  HEREAFTER  ERECTED. 

The  following  provisions  shall  apply  to  buildings  of  Class  V  hereafter  erected 
and  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  such  purposes: 

401.  Construction— Walls— Outside  Walls — Structures.)    All  buildings  of  Class 
V  hereafter  erected  shall  be  built  of  fireproof  construction. 

402.  Frontage  —  Open    Spaces  —  Fireproof    Passageways.)      (a)     All    buildings 
hereafter   erected   used   wholly  or  in   part  for  the  purposes   of   Class   V   shall   be 
located  so  that  they  adjoin  at  least  two  public  thoroughfares,  one  of  which  shall 
be  a   public  street  and   the  other  may  be  a  public   alley  not  less   than   ten    (10) 
feet  in  width. 

(b)  The  audience  room  of  every  such  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
V  shall  have  either  a  public  thoroughfare  or  an  open  space  not  less  than  ten  feet 
wide  extending  from  the  lowest  first  floor  level  to  the  sky,  on  each  of  the  two 
sides  other  than  the  proscenium  and  the  foyer.  Exit  doors  shall  open  onto  such 
public  thoroughfare  or  the  bottom  of  such  open  space  from  the  respective  sides  of 
the  stage  and  of  the  main  floor  of  the  audience  room,  and  onto  balconies  or 
platforms  built  in  such  public  thoroughfare  or  open  space  at  both  the  highest  and 
the  lowest  floor  levels  of  each  and  every  balcony  and  gallery,  and  the  doors  open- 


*As  amended  June  26,  1911.     See  pages  660-661,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


64  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

ing  into  such  public  thoroughfare  or  open  space  from  any  balcony  or  gallery  or 
from  the  main  floor  shall  comply  with  all  the  requirements  prescribed  in  Section 
410  of  this  Chapter. 

(c)  All   such   balconies    or   platforms    shall   be   connected    with    stairway   fire 
escapes  leading  to  the  street  level  or  to  the  bottom  of  such  open  space  and  in  the  la£- 
ter  case  they  shall  have  their  bottom  run  toward  the  public  thoroughfare  and  such 
balconies  or  platforms  and  such  fire  escapes  shall  comply  with  all  the  requirements 
prescribed  in  Sections  669,  670  and  673  of  this  chapter.    Every  such  open  space,  if  it 
does  not  open  into  a  public  thoroughfare  shall  communicate  with  the  public  thorough- 
fare at  the  front  side  of  the  theatre  by  a  fireproof  passageway  leading  from  the 
bottom  level  of  such  open  space  to  the  sidewalk  level.     Where  there  is  a  public 
thoroughfare  behind  the  stage  every  such  open  space  shall  also  communicate  with 
such  public  thoroughfare  by  a  fireproof  passageway  leading  from  the  bottom  level 
of  such  open  space  to  the  level  of  the  public  thoroughfare  behind  the  stage,  and 
passing   under    the    stage. 

(d)  The  walls  of  a  fireproof  passageway  shall  be  not  less  than  four  inches 
thick,  and  each  and  every  part  of  such  passageway,  including  each  and  all  of  its 
supports,  shall  be  built  of  fireproof  construction  as  required  in  the  general  provi- 
sions of  this  Chapter  relating  thereto. 

(e)  Radiators   for    warming    passageways    shall   be    in   recesses    sufficient   in 
depth  to  prevent  them  from  obstructing  the  passageway. 

(f)  There  shall  be  no  steps  or  risers  in  fireproof,  passageways,  but  where  nec- 
essary,  inclined  floors  of  the  full  width  of  the  fireproof  passageway  may  be  built; 
the  incline  of  the  floor  shall  not  exceed  two  and  one-half  inches  in  height  per  foot 
measured  horizontally,  and  no  such  incline  shall  be  less  than  ten  feet  in  length.    No 
fireproof  passageway  shall  be  less  than  ten  feet  wide  and  eight  feet  high  in  any 
part  thereof  except  at  doors,  and  these  door  openings  shall  be  not  less  than  eight 
feet  wide  and  seven  feet  high. 

(g)  If  the  principal  entrance  corridor  of  a  theatre  is  at  one  side  and  approxi- 
mately at  right  angles  to  the  central  axis  of  the  audience  room,  then   the  center 
line  extended  of  such  principal  entrance  shall  intersect  the  center  axis  of  the  stage 
and  the  audience  room  between  the  back  of  the  seat  most  remote  from  the  stage, 
on   said  center  axis  of  the  stage  and  the  audience   room  and  at  a   point  midway 
between  such  seat  and  the  wall  opposite  the  proscenium  wall. 

403.  Buildings  of  Other  Classes  Built  in  Conjunction  with  Class  V.)  If  build- 
ings used  wholly  or  in  part  for  purposes  of  Class  V,  are  built  in  conjunction  with 
or  as  part  of  buildings  devoted  to  the  uses  of  other  classes,  then  such  buildings  of 
other  classes  shall  be  built  of  fireproof  construction. 

*404.  Floor  Levels — Limitations  of.)  (a)  The  floor  level  of  the  highest  bank 
of  seats  on  the  main  floor  shall  not  be  more  than  three  feet  above  the  sidewalk 
level  and  the  floor  level  of  the  lowest  bank  of  seats  on  said  floor  shall  not  be  more 
than  eight  feet  below  the  sidewalk  level. 

(b)  All  floors  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such  manner  as  to  be  capable 
of  bearing  in  all  their  parts,  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  floor  construction,  per- 


*As  amended  July  22,  1912.     See  pages  1676-7,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  65 

manent  fixtures  and  mechanisms  that  may  set  upon  the  same,  a  live  load  of  one 
hundred  pounds  for  every  square  foot  of  surface  in  such  floors. 

405.  Stairways — Entrances  and  Exits.)    (a)  Stairways  affording  ingress  to  or 
egress  from  any  room  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  V  shall  be  in  width  equivalent 
to  twenty  inches  for  each  one  hundred  of  seating  capacity  of  such  room,  and  for 
fractional  parts  of  one  hundred  a  proportionate  part  of  twenty  inches  of  width  shall 
be  added,  but  in  no  event  shall  any  such  stairways  be  less  than  four  feet  in  the 
clear,  except  as  hereinafter  provided. 

(b)  All  such  stairways  shall  have  hand  rails  on  each  side  thereof,  and  shall 
not  ascend  to  a  greater  height  than  thirteen  feet  six  inches  without  a  level  landing, 
end  the  length  and  width  of  such  landing  shall  be  not  less  than  the  width  of  the 
stairs;    no  run  of  stairs  shall  consist  of  less  than   six  risers  between   platforms, 
and  risers  shall  not  be  placed  on  return  platforms.    Stairways  which  are. over  seven 
feet  wide  shall  have  double  intermediate  hand  rails  with  end  newel  posts  at  least 
five  and  one-half  feet  high*. 

(c)  Steps  shall  not  have  a  greater  rise  than  eight  inches,  treads  shall  not  be 
narrower  than  eleven  inches,  and  winders  shall  not  be  used  on  any  staircase. 

(d)  Every    balcony    and    gallery    shall    have    one    or    more    separate    and 
distinct  exits  and  stairways  to  the  sidewalk  level.    All  gallery  stairways  shall  lead 
to  the  top  gallery  and  there  shall  be  doors  in  same  at  each  floor  for  exit  pur- 
poses  only.     The  bottom   run   of  the   stairs   shall  be   directly  toward   the   street. 
Such   stairs   may  ascend   from  the   vestibule   or  entrance   inside   of  the  buildings, 
but  the  bottom  riser  of  such  stairs  shall  be  not  more  than  sixty-five  feet  from 
the  building  line.     All  doors  between  such  stairs  and  the  street  shall  be  kept  un- 
locked and  unfastened  during  each,  and  every  performance  and  until  the  audience 
has  .left  the  building. 

(e)  There  shall  be  an  iron  stairway  or  stairways  from  the  stage  to  the  fly  gal- 
lery and  gridiron,  continuing  to  the  roof  of  the  building  or  to  some  fireproof  pas- 
sageway or  exit.    Such  stairway  may  be  circular.    Such  circular  stairways,  however, 
shall  not  be  used  for  access  to  the  dressing  rooms. 

(f )  Stairs  leading  to  a  box  or  boxes  seating  not  to  exceed  thirty  people  in  the 
aggregate  shall  be  independent  of  all  other  stairs  and  seats,  and  not  less  than  two 
feet  eight  inches  wide  in  the  clear.     For  each  additional  twenty-five  persons  for 
whom  seating  capacity  is  provided,  or  major  portion  thereof,  in  such  box  or  boxes 
there  shall  be  an  additional  five  inches  in  width  of  such  stairway. 

(g)  All  stairways  on  the  stage  side  of  the  proscenium  wall  shall  be  not  less 
than  two  feet  six  inches  wide. 

406.  Floor    at   Exits  —  Seating.)      (a)      Floors    at    all    exits    shall    be    level 
/irid   flush   with   adjacent    inside   floors   and   shall    extend   for   an   unbroken    width 
of  not  less  than  four  feet  in  front  of  each  exit,  and  shall  be  two  feet  wider  than 
such  exit. 

(b)  There  shall  not  be  more  than  ten  seats  in  any  one  row  between  aisles. 

(c)  Seats  shall  not  be  less  than  twenty-two  inches  in  width,  measured  at  the 
top  of  the  seat  backs. 

(d)  Rows  of  seats  shall  not  be  less  than  two  feet  ten  inches  from  back  to  back. 

(e)  No  bank  of  seats  shall  have  a  greater  rise  than  twenty  inches.     A  bank 
of  seats  abutting  boxes  or  wall  on  main  floor,  balcony  or  gallery  or  not  over  five 
seats  in  a  row,  shall  be  required  to  abut  upon  one  aisle  only. 


66  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

(f)  Seats  in  loges  and  boxes  shall  be  limited  in  the  ratio  of  one  seat  for  every 
six  hundred  and  eighty  square  inches  of  floor  area  in  such  loge  or  box. 

(g)  All  groups  of  seats  shall  be  so  arranged  that  there  shall  be  an  aisle  at  each 
side  of  each  group,  provided  groups  of  five  seats  or  less  may  abut  upon  a  tunnel 
at  one  side  and  an  aisle  on  the  other  side. 

(h)  The  number  of  banks  of  seats  on  the  main  floor  shall  not  exceed  fifteen, 
unlesy  an  intervening  or  cross  aisle  is  provided  between  each  fifteen  banks  of  seats 
or  a  direct  exit  is  provided  for  each  aisle.  The  number  of  banks  of  seats  in  the 
•''balcony"  and  "galleries"  shall  not  exceed  nine,  unless  an  intervening  or  cross  aisle 
is  provided  between  each  nine  banks  of  seats  or  a  direct  exit  is  provided  for  each 
aisle. 

407.  Tunnels — Cross  Aisles — Vertical  Rise — Foyer.)   (a)  There  sllall  be  no  more 
than  eleven  feet  rise,  measured  vertically,  in  any  aisle  in  any  gallery  without  a 
direct  exit  by  tunnel  or  otherwise,  to  a  corridor  with  free  opening  onto  the  gallery 
stairs  or  other  direct  discharge  to  the  street  or  at  any  such  elevation  of  eleven 
feet  an  intervening  or  cross  aisle  leading  directly  to  an  exit.     No  tunnel  shall  be 
less  than  four  feet  wide  in  the  clear. 

(b)     No  foyer  shall  be  open  to  the  theatre  proper  except  through  the  exits. 

408.  Main  Floor,  Balcony  and  Gallery — Designation  of.)      (a)   The  lower  floor 
shall  be  designated  the  "Main  Floor." 

(b)  Where  there  are  balconies  or  galleries,  the  first  balcony  or  gallery  shall  be 
designated  the  "Balcony"  and  the  second  and  third  balcony  or  gallery  shall  be 
designated,  respectively,  "Gallery"  and  "Second  Gallery." 

409.  Aisles  and  Passageways — Steps  in  Aisles.)     (a)     The  minimum  width  of 
aisles   with   divergent  sides  in   any  room  used,  for   the  purpose   of   Class   V  shall 
be  two  feet  eight  inches  at  the  end  nearest  the  stage  and  not  less  than  three* feet 
at  the  other  end.     The  minimum  width  of  aisles  with  parallel  sides  shall  be  three 
feet. 

(b)  Every  aisle  shall  lead  directly  to  an  exit.     Any  exit  located  at  the  end 
of  any  aisle  and  at  right  angles  thereto  shall  be  considered  a  direct  exit. 

(c)  Steps   shall  not  be  permitted  in   aisles   except   as   extending  from  bank 
to  bank  of  seats,  and  no  riser  shall  be  more  than  eight  inches  in  height,  and 
no  tread  shall  be  less  than  ten  inches  in  width,  and  whenever  the  rise  from  bank 
to  bank  of  seats  is  less  than  five  inches,  the  floor  of  the  aisle  shall  be  made  as  an 
inclined  plane,  and  where  steps  are  placed  in  outside  aisles  or  corridors  they  shall 
not  be   inclosed  but  shall  be   grouped  together,  and  a  light  shall  be  maintained 
so  that  every  place  where  there  are  steps  in  inclosing  aisles  or  corridors  shall  be 
clearly  lighted. 

410.  Corridors — Passageways — Hallways  and  Doors — Width  of.)  (a)  The  width 
of  corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doors  shall  be  computed  in  the  same  manner 
as  that  hereinbefore  provided  for  stairways,  excepting  however,  that  no  corridors 
shall  be  less  than  five  feet  in  width  and  no  doorway  less  than  three  feet  wide, 
except  as  otherwise  herein  provided. 

(b)  All  corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  stairways  leading  from  any  bal- 
cony or  gallery  to  any  toilet  room,  retiring  room,  smoking  room,  cloak  room,  check 
room,  or  private  office,  shall  permit  of  free  passage,  without  returning,  to  an  outer 
exit  of  the  building.  Such  corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  stairways  shall 
be  at  least  four  feet  in  width  in  every  part  between  such  balcony  or  gallery  and 
such  outer  exit,  and  shall  be  unobstructed  in  every  part,  except  by  doors  not  less 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  C7 

than  three  feet  in  width  in  the  clear,  which  shall  swing  outward  and  which  shall 
not  be  provided  with  locks  or  catches  of  any  kind  whatever. 

(c)  The  width  of  entrance  doors  to  every  theatre  shall  be  computed  on  the 
lasis  of  twenty  inches  in  the  clear  to  each  100  permanent  seats  in  the  audience 
loom,    and    in    addition    thereto    a    proportionate    part    of    twenty    inches    for   the 
fractional  part  of  100  seats  remaining  shall  be  added. 

(d)  No  mirror  or  architectural  feature  shall  be  so  arranged  as  to  give  the 
appearance  of  a  doorway,  window,  exit,  hallway  or  corridor  where  none  exists. 

411.  Emergency  Exits— Width— Emergency  Stairs,  Width— Emergency  Exits 
Inside  Walls  of  Buildings — Fire  Escapes,  Construction — Fire  Escapes  Leading  to 
Street  or  Alley — Doors  Open  Outward.)  (a)  Emergency  exits  and  stairways  shall  be 
provided  separately  for  each  floor,  balcony  or  gallery  and  shall  be  of  the  same 
aggregate  width  as  that  provided  for  the  main  exits,  and  shall  not  be  less  than 
three  feet  in  width.  Such  emergency  stairway  shall  be  made  of  iron,  steel  or  other 
incombustible  material.  Such  emergency  exit  shall  be  kept  free  of  obstructions 
of  every  kind,  including  snow  and  ice. 

(b)  Such  emergency  exits  and  stairways  may  be  fouilt  inside  the  walls  of  the 
building,  provided  they  are  enclosed  by  a  fireproof  partition  not  less  than  four  inches 
thick,  separating  the  exits  and  stairways  from  the  audience  room  or  auditorium. 

(c)  If  such  emergency  exits  lead  outside   the  building,   the   openings   leading 
thereto  shall   have   metal   doors   with   wired  glass   panels.     The   doors  shall   open 
outward,   and   shall  be   hung   from   the   inside   corner   of   the   jambs,  and   so  con- 
structed as  not  to  project,  when  opened,  beyond  the  outside  face  of  the  wall,  and 
outer  shutters  shall  not  be  permitted. 

(d)  Whenever  any  such  emergency  stairway  passes  over  an  exit,  door,  window 
or  other  opening,  such  stairway  shall  be  completely  inclosed  for  a  space  of  five 
feet   greater   in   width   than   such   opening,  by   iron,   steel   or   other   incombustible 
material. 

(e)  All  such  emergency  exits  and  stairways  shall  land  at  the  ground  level  in  a 
public  thoroughfare  or  in  some  space  that  connects  directly  with  a  street  or  alley, 
and  direct  and  immediate  exit  to  such  <public  thoroughfare  shall  not  be  obstructed 
by  any  door,  gate,  bars  or  obstruction  of  any  character. 

(f)  Every  court  in  which  there  is  an  emergency  stairway  shall  have  direct  and 
unobstructed  access  along  the   surface   of  the   ground  to   a   street,  alley  or  yard 
opening  into  an  alley  or  street,  without  entering  into  or  passing  through  or  over 
any  building  unless  by  a  four-foot  wide  fireproof  passage  on  the  court  or  ground 
level. 

(g)  All  doors  in  openings  from  emergency  exits  and  stairways  shall  be  so  con- 
structed that  when  opened  they  will  not  obstruct  any  portion  of  any  other  doorway, 
opening  or  passageway. 

(h)  All  doors  affording  ingress  to  or  egress  from  any  theater  shall  open  out- 
ward and  shall  be  so  constructed  and  maintained  as  to  require  no  special  knowledge 
or  effort  to  open  them  from  the  interior. 

412.  Wall — Brick  Proscenium  Between  Auditorium  and  Stage — Steel  Curtain 
Fireproofed  on  Stage  Side — No  Combustible  Material  on  Audience  Side — Plans  for 
Curtain — Permit  from  Building  Department.)  (a)  There  shall  be  a  solid  masonry 
wall  of  the  same  construction  and  thickness  as  is  required  in  the  outside  walls  of 
the  building  in  which  such  theatre  is  located  between  the  auditorium  and  the  stage. 


6€  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

(b)  The  main  proscenium  opening  shall  have  a  vertically  operated  steel  curtain 
which  shall,  when  it  is  lowered,  completely  close  such,  proscenium  opening.     The 
curtain  shall  be  raised  and  lowered  by  hydraulic  power,  and  shall  be  in  constant 
use  as  the  regular  curtain  and  act  drop.     In  vaudeville  houses  said  curtain  shall 
be  lowered  at  least  once  during  the  performances. 

(c)  The  lowering  of  the  curtain  shall  be  controlled  from  not  less  than  two  points 
in  the  building,  one  of  which  shall  be  from  the  stage  level  and  the  other  shall  be 
designated  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(d)  The  curtain  shall  have  a  steel  covering  on  the  outer  or  auditorium  side.  The 
stage  side  covering  shall  be  of  a  non-heat-conducting  substance  of  such  a  thickness 
and  such  material  as  shall  stand  a  test  of  two  thousand  degrees  Fahrenheit  on  the 
stage  side  for  fifteen  minutes  without  heating  the  opposite  side  to  a  higher  temper- 
ature than  three  hundred  and  fifty  degrees  Fahrenheit. 

(e)  All  metal  work  with  the  exception  of  the  frame  shall  be  covered  with  such 
non-heat-conducting  substance  on  the  stage  side. 

(f)  The  curtain  shall  operate  vertically  in  steel  guides  of  such  a  cross  section 
that  the  edges  shall  engage  and  secure  the  edges  of  the  curtain  and  prevent  the 
curtain  from  leaving  the  guiding  channel  or  channels  if  the  curtain  should  tend  to 
buckle  or  bag  either  inward  or  outward.    No  metal  in  the  guide  channel  or  in  the 
engaging  edge  of  the  curtain  shall  be  less  than  three-eighths  of  an  inch  thick.    The 
joints  of  the  curtain  with  the  proscenium  wall,  with  the  stage  floor  and  with  the 
head  of  the  opening  shall  be  made  gas  tight  as  nearly  as  practicable. 

(g)  The  calculations  for  the  strength  of  the  curtain,  the  curtain  guides  and  the 
guide  anchors,  and  the  workmanship,  shall  be  according  to  the  best  modern  engineer- 
ing practice.    The  stresses  in  the  material  and  in  the  various  sections  of  steel  shall 
be  within  the  safe  limits  of  stress  described  in  this  ordinance. 

(h)  No  part  of  a  curtain  or  of  the  curtain  guides  shall  be  supported  by  or 
fastened  by  any  combustible  material. 

(i)  The  supports  of  the  curtain  and  the  curtain  guides  and  edges  and  the 
curtain  shall  be  of  sufficient  strength  to  safely  resist  either  inward  or  outward 
a  pressure  of  five  pounds  for  each  and  every  square  foot  of  the  curtain. 

(j)  No  combustible  material  other  than  painted  decorations  shall  be  applied  to 
the  audience  side  of  any  such  curtain. 

(k)  Plans  for  every  such  curtain  shall  be  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  and  a  permit  obtained  therefor  previous  to  its  erection.  The  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  shall  inspect  such  curtain  semi-annually,  and  for  each  such 
Inspection  a  fee  of  five  dollars  shall  be  charged. 

(1)  Every  other  opening  in  such  proscenium  wall  shall  have  self-closing  regula- 
tion standard  iron  fire  doors  and  iron  frames  and  thresholds;  such  doors  and  frames 
shall  be  built  in  such  a  manner  as  to  resist  warping. 

413.  Stage,  Construction  of — Fireproof  Paint — Scenery — How  Treated.)  (a) 
The  framing  of  the  floor  of  every  stage  shall  be  of  iron  or  steel  or  fireproof 
material.  The  stage  floor  may  be  of  wood  not  less  than  two  and  three-fourths 
inches  thick.  The  entire  floor  construction  and  fly  galleries,  rigging  lofts  and  paint 
galleries,  all  stairways  and  supports  and  stanchions  therein  and  all  sheaves,  pulleys, 
cables  and  other  supports  shall  be  of  iron  or  steel.  The  woodwork  of  the  stage 
floor  shall  be  saturated  with  a  fireproof  solution  satisfactory  to  the  Fire  Marshal. 
All  other  woodwork  and  all  framing  for  scenery  on  or  about  the  stage  shall  be 
coated  with  fireproof  paint,  which  shall  be  submitted  to  and  approved  by  the 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  69 

Fire  Marshal.     All   wood  used  for  the   floor   supports   shall  be   saturated  with   a 
fireproof  solution  satisfactory  to  the  Fire  Marshal. 

(b)  Counter  weighting  of  scenery  must  be  done  with  incombustible  weights 
carried  on  steel  cables  and  operated  in  grooves  or  slotted  channels;    except  that 
small  sand  bags  weighing  not  over  eight  pounds  may  be  used  to  bring  scenery 
ropes  down  to  stage  level. 

(c)  No  scenery  or  stage  paraphernalia  of  any  sort  shall  be  used  upon  the  stage 
of  any  room  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  V  unless  such  scenery  and  paraphernalia 
shall  have  been  treated  with  a  paint  or  chemical  solution  which  shall  make  it  non- 
inflammable,  and  which  treated  scenery  or  stage  paraphernalia,  or  both,  shall  be 
tested  and  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal.     All  draperies  in  the   auditorium,  in- 
cluding the  drop  curtains,  must  be  fireproofed  at  least  once  a  year,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

414.  Vestibules  for  Stage  Doors.)  All  doorways  and  openings  in  the  rear  or  sides 
of  the  stage  shall  be  vestibuled  or  arranged  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  the  Com- 
missioner   of    Buildings,    so    as    to    protect    the    curtain,    scenery    and    auditorium 
against  draughts  of  air. 

415.  Structures  Over  Ceiling — Construction.)     If  any  structure  is  built  over 
the  ceiling  or  roof  of  any  theater,  the  different  members  of  the  girders  or  trusses 
supporting   same    shall   be    fireproofed    in   the    manner   prescribed    for   columns    of 
fireproof  buildings  as  specified  in  the  General  Provisions  of  this  Chapter. 

416.  Vents — Size  of — Flue  Pipes — Dampers — Switches  for  Dampers.)  (a)  One  or 
more  vents  or  flue  pipes  of  metal   construction,  or  other  incombustible  material, 
suitable  for  carrying  away  smoke,  and  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings, 
and  extending  not  less  than  fifteen  feet  above  the  highest  point  of  the  roof,  and 
equivalent  in  area  to  one-twentieth  of  the  area  of  the  stage,  shall  be  built  over  the 
stage. 

(b)  In  buildings  where  additional  stories  are  built  above  the  stage,  such  vents 
or  flue  pipes  may  be  carried  out  near  the  top  of  the  stage  walls  and  shall  be  con- 
tinued and  run  up  on  the  exterior  of  the  building  to  a  point  five  feet  above  the 
highest  point  of  such  additional  story. 

(c)  All  such  flues  or  vents  shall  be  provided  with  metal  dampers  which  shall 
be  controlled  or  operated  by  a  small  tarred  hempen  cord  and  also  by  two  elec- 
tric switches,   one   at  the   electrician's   station   on   the   stage,   which   station   shall 
be  fireproof  and  the  other  at  the  stage  fireman's  station  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  stage;   the  arrangement  of  said  cord  and  said  electric  switches  shall  be  such 
that  the  cord  will  operate  as  a  fusible  link  between  the  electric  control  and  the 
damper  and  will  release  said  damper,  should  the  switches  or  either  of  them,  fail 
to  operate.     Such  stations   shall  be   located  in  such  places  on  the  stage  as  may 
be  determined  by  the  Fire  Marshal,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  paragraph, 
and  each  switch  shall  have  a  sign  with  plain  directions  as  to  the  operation  of  the 
same  printed  thereon. 

(d)  All  fuse  boxes  shall  be  surrounded  by  two  thicknesses  of  fireproof  ma- 
terials, with  an  air  space  between,  and  no  fuses  shall  be  exposed  to  the  air  be- 
tween the  switchboards. 

417.  Automatic  Sprinkler — Location — Tank — Connections.)      (a)    An  approved 
system  of  automatic  sprinklers  shall  be  provided  in  theatres  of  this  class,  which 


70  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

shall  comply  with  the  following  requirements:  (1st)  Said  sprinkler  heads  shall 
),e  placed  in  the  paint  room,  store  room,  property  room,  scene  storage  room,  car- 
penter shop,  and  dressing  rooms  and  spaced  according  to  the  best  fire  protection 
practice;  (2nd)  Said  system  shall  be  supplied  by  a  frost-protected  gravity 
tank  of  not  less  than  5,000  gallons  capacity  located  above  stage  roof  and  bot- 
tom of  tank  shall  be  not  less  than  twenty-five  feet  above  the  highest  sprinkler 
head,  or  by  an  automatic  centrifugal  pump  of  not  less  than  500  gallons  capacity 
per  minute  against  100  pounds  pressure  at  the  pump;  (3rd)  Said  gravity  tank, 
if  used,  shall  be  entirely  independent  of  any  standpipe  system,  unless  the  tank 
is  of  sufficient  capacity  to  supply  both  systems  and  unless  the  supply  pipe  to  stand- 
pipe  is  so  arranged  that  it  cannot '  reduce  the  sprinkler  system  supply;  (4th) 
Said  gravity  tank,  if  used,  shall  be  filled  through  a  supply  pipe  at  least  one  and 
one-half  inches  in  diameter  from  fire  pump  hereinafter  provided  for  in  this  Chap- 
ter; (5th)  There  shall  be  a  pipe  of  not  less  than  three-inch  diameter  connected 
to  the  sprinkler  system  and  extending  to  the  outside  of  the  building  with  a 
Siamese  steamer  connection  properly  placarded  and  suitable  for  Fire  Department 
use;  (6th)  There  shall  be  an  approved  system  of  local  alarms  with  a  bell  in 
the  ticket  office,  a  buzzer  in  the  lobby  and  on  the  stage  and  a  bell  and  annunci- 
ator in  the  basement  or  in  the  boiler  or  engine  room;  all  necessary  gauges,  in- 
cluding altitude  gauge  for  tank  riser,  shall  be  located  on  main  floor.  Swing  checks 
and  gates  shall  be  provided. 

(b)  The  entire  sprinkler  system  and  equipment  and  the  location,  installation 
and  maintenance  thereof,  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

418.  Fire  Apparatus  on  Stage — Hand  Fire  Pumps — Fire  Apparatus.)  There 
shall  be  installed  on  each  side  of  the  stage  a  standpipe  of  not  less  than  three 
inches  in  diameter  with  a  hose  connection  at  the  stage  floor  and  at  each  floor  level 
above  and  below  the  stage,  which  standpipe  shall  be  supplied  by  a  frost-protected 
gravity  tank  of  a  capacity  of  not  less  than  5,000  gallons.  The  bottom  of  said  grav- 
ity tank  shall  be  elevated  at  least  twenty-five  feet  above  the  highest  hose  outlet 
und  said  gravity  tank  shall  be  equipped  with  a  centrifugal  power  pump  with  hand 
controller,  which  power  pump  shall  have  a  pumping  capacity  of  not  less  than  three 
hundred  gallons  per  minute  against  fifty  pounds  pressure  at  the  stage  roof,  except 
in  cases  where  an  automatic  pur^p  is  installed  which  shall  comply  with  the  provi- 
sions of  Section  417  of  this  Chapter,  in  which  event  such  pump  may  be  used  as  a 
source  of  supply  of  standpipes.  In  addition  to  the  above  requirements  of  this 
section  there  shall  be  a  pipe  of  not  less  than  three  inches  in  diameter  connected  to 
the  standpipes  and  extending  to  the  outside  of  the  building  and  equipped  with 
a  Siamese  steamer  connection  properly  placarded  for  and  suitable  for  fire  depart- 
ment use.  All  gravity  tanks  shall  be  filled  through  not  less  than  one  and  one-half 
inch  connection  from  pump  and  shall  be  provided  with  gauges,  swing  checks  and 
gate  valves.  Each  standpipe  shall  have  one  and  one-half  inch  hose  outlet  above, 
below  and  on  the  stage.  Such  outlet  shall  be  provided  with  straightway  hose  and  a 
valve  and  drop  cock  connection.  A  length  of  approved  one  and  one-half  inch 
unlined  linen  hose  shall  be  attached  to  each  outlet,  which  said  linen  hose  shall  have 
a  five-eighths  of  an  inch  smooth  bore  nozzle.  All  hose  shall  be  mounted  on  self- 
releasing  racks  when  not  in  use.  The  entire  equipment  shall  be  installed  under  the 
direction  of  and  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal.  Portable  fire  extin- 
guishers or  hand  fire  pumps  shall  be  kept  ready  for  use  on  and  under  the  stage 
and  in  the  flies,  galleries  and  rigging  loft.  There  shall  be  kept  ready  for  use  in 
every  theater  of  this  Class  at  least  four  fire  department  axes  and  six  pike  poles  on 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  71 

each  tier  or  floor  of  the  stage,  all  of  which  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
Fire  Marshal. 

419.  Hot  Air  Furnaces.)     The  use  of  ordinary  hot  air  furnaces  or  stoves  in  all 
theaters  of  Class  V  is  prohibited. 

420.  Independent   Lighting  System   for  Exits— Red  Light  Over  Exits.)     All 
stairways  and  corridors  shall  be  supplied  with  a  supplementary  lighting  system  of 
electricity,  gas  or  sperin  oil,  and  such  system  shall  be  independent  of  all  other  lights 
in  such  building.     The  word  "EXIT"  shall  appear  in  letters  at  least  six  inches  high 
over  the  opening  to  every  means  of  egress  from  such  theater  and  a  red  light  fur- 
nished by  gas  or  sperm  oil,  shall  be  provided  over  such  sign. 

421.  Fire  Alarm  Apparatus.)     Every  theatre  shall  be  provided  with  an  ap- 
proved system  of  automatic  or  manual  fire  alarm  telegraph  apparatus,  connected 
by  the  necessary  wires  with  the  headquarters  of  the  city  fire  alarm  telegraph  and 
such  other  place  or  places  as  the  Fire  Marshal  shall  direct.     The  number  and  loca- 
tion of  the  boxes  and  the  character  of  the  system,  whether  automatic  or  manual,  or 
both,  shall  be  determined  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

422.  Dressing   Room    Partitions.)      Partitions    forming    dressing   rooms    shall 
be  constructed  of  incombustible  material,  and  such  dressing  rooms  shall  be  prop- 
erly ventilated. 

423.  Capacity— Certificate  for  License.)    (a)    The  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
shall  determine  the  number  of  persons  which  each  room  used  for  the  purpose  of 
Class  V  may  accommodate  according  to  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  and  shall 
certify  the  same  to  the  City  Clerk.     No  more  than  the  number  so  certified  shall  be 
allowed  in  such  room  at  any  one  time. 

(b)  Xo  license  for  the  operation  of  a  theater  shall  be  issued  unless  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings,  Fire  Marshal  and  City  Electrician  shall  first  have  certified 
in  writing  that  such  theatre  complies  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  in  every 
respect. 

424.  Lighting   Equipment.)     Every   room  used   for   the   purposes   of   Class   V 
and  all  outlets  therefrom  leading  to  the  streets,  including  passageways,  courts,  cor- 
ridors, stairways,  exits,  and  emergency  stairways,  shall  have  gas  or  electric  lighting 
equipment  to  properly  illuminate  such  room  and  spaces,  and  every  passageway,  court, 
corridor,  stairway,  exit,  and  emergency  stairway,  shall  be  provided  with  signs,  in- 
dicating the  way  out  of  the  building,  the  letters  of  which  shall  not  be  less  than 
six  inches  in  height. 

425.  Lights— Control  of  Lights  in  Halls,  Corridors  and  Lobbies— Separate  Shut- 
off — Connections   with    Gas   Mains — Independent    Connections — Protection    of    Sus- 
pended and  Bracket  Lights — Protection   of  Lights   Inserted  in   Walls — Protection 
of  Footlights — Construction  of  Border  Lights — Ducts  and  Shafts  Conducting  Heated 
Air  from  Lights — Gas  Stage   Lights  to  Have  Metal  Screens.)     Gas   and  Electric 
lights  in  the  halls,  corridors,  lobbies  or  any  other  part  of  any  theater  used  by  the 
audience,  except  the  auditorium,  shall  be  controlled  by  a  separate  shut-off  located 
in  the  lobby  and  controlled  only  in  that  particular  place.     Gas  mains  supplying  such 
theatre  shall  have  independent  connections  for  the  auditorium  and  the  stage,  and 
provision  shall  be  made  for  shutting  off  the  gas  from  the  outside  of  the  building. 
Suspended   or  bracket   lights   surrounded  by   glass   in   the   auditorium,   or   in  any 
other  part  of  the  theater,  shall  be  provided  with  proper  wire  netting  underneath. 


72  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

No  gas  or  electric  lights  shall  be  inserted  in  the  walls,  wood  work,  ceiling,  or  in 
any  part  of  the  theater  unless  protected  by  fireproof  materials.  The  trough  con- 
taining footlights  shall  be  formed  of  and  surrounded  by  fireproof  material.  Border 
lights  shall  be  constructed  according  to  the  best  known  methods,  and  subject  to 
the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal  and  the  City  Electrician,  and  shall  be  suspended 
by  wire  ropes.  Ducts  and  shafts  used  for  conducting  heated  air  from  the  main 
chandelier,  or  from  any  other  light  or  lights,  shall  be  constructed  of  metal  and 
made  double,  with  an  air  space  between.  Gas  stage  lights  shall  have  strong  wire 
metal  guards  or  screens,  not  less  than  ten  inches  in  diameter,  so  constructed  that 
any  material  coming  in  contact  therewith  shall  be  out  of  reach  of  the  flames  of 
such  lights,  and  shall  be  soldered  to  the  fixtures  in  all  cases. 

426.  Fire  Apparatus  to  Be  Under  Control  of  Fire  Department.)  The  standpipes 
automatic  sprinklers,  gas  pipes,  electric  wires,  hose,  footlights,  fire  alarm  boxes, 
fireproof  proscenium  curtains,  switch  boxes,  ventilators,  controlling  levers,  axes  and 
pike  poles,  and  all  apparatus  for  the  extinguishing  of  fire  or  guarding  against  same, 
as  provided  for  by  this  ordinance,  shall  be  made  and  kept  at  all  times  in  condition 
satisfactory  to  and  under  control  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

427.  Scenery — Definition — Movable  Scenery.)      (a)     "Scenery"  as  used  in  this 
Chapter  shall  include  all  scenery,  drop  curtains,  borders  and  wings  which  are  con- 
structed or  made  of  cloth,  canvas  or  combustible  material,  whether  stationary  or 
movable. 

(b)  "Movable  Scenery"  shall  include  all  scenery,  drop  curtains,  borders,  and 
wings  which  are  made  movable  for  the  purpose  of  changing  an  entire  set  of  scenery 
and  substituting  another  set  during  or  between  .the  various  stage  acts. 

428.  Communication  Between  Box   Office,  Stage  and  Fly  Galleries.)     A   sys- 
tem of  telephonic  communication,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  and  the  City  Electrician  shall  be  installed  between  the  box  office,  both 
sides  of  the  stage,  fly  .galleries,  gridiron  and  space  beneath  the  stage. 

429.  Changing  from  Class  IV  to  Class  V.)     Whenever  an  existing  Class  IV 
theatre  is  changed  into  a  Class  V  theatre,  the  same  shall  be  made  to  comply  with 
all  of  the  provisions  for  Class  V  theatres  hereafter  erected. 


ARTICLE  IX. 

CLASS     VI. 

430.  Class  VI  Defined.)     In  Class  VI  shall  be  included  every  tenement  and 
apartment  house  or  building  or  portion  thereof,  which  is  used  or  intended  to  be 
used  as  a  home  or  residence  for  two  or  more  families  living  in  separate  apart- 
ments. 

431.  Requirements — General.)     Every  building  of  Class  VI  shall  comply  with 
the  piovisions  of  this  Chapter,  and  in  addition  to  the  general  provisions  shall  com- 
piy  with  the  following  special  provisions: 

432.  Definition   of  "New  Tenement   House"— "Apartment"— "Yard"— "Court" 
—"Shaft"— "Public    Hall"— "Stair   Hall"— "Basement"— "Cellar"— "Story"— "Solid 
Masonry.")      (a)     "New  tenement  house"  shall  include   every  tenement,  flat  and 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  •  73 

apartment  house  hereafter  erected  and  every  tenement  house  which  shall  be  in- 
creased or  diminished  in  size  or  otherwise  altered  after  its  erection  and  every 
building  now  or  hereafter  in  existence  not  now  used  as  a  tenement  house  but  here- 
after converted  or  altered  to  such  use. 

(b)  "Apartment"  is  a  room  or  suite  of  two  or  more  rooms  occupied  or  intended 
or  designed  to  be  occupied  as  a  family  domicile. 

(c)  "Yard"  is  an  open  unoccupied  space   on  the   same  lot  with   a  tenement 
house,  separating  every  part  of  every  building  on  the  lot  from  the  rear  line  of 
the  lot. 

(d)  "Court"  is  an  open,  unoccupied,  unobstructed  space,  other  than  a  yard,  on 
the  same  lot  with  a  tenement  house;   a  court  entirely  surrounded  by  a  tenement 
house  is  an  "inner  court";  a  court  bounded  on  one  side  and  both  ends  by  a  tene- 
ment house,  and  on  the  remaining  side  by  a  lot  line  is  a  '"lot  line  court";  a  court 
extending  to  a  street,  alley  or  yard  in  an  "outer  court." 

(e)  "Shaft"    includes    exterior    and    interior    shafts,    whether    for    air,    light, 
elevator,  dumb  waiter  or  any  other  purpose;  a  "vent  shaft"  is  one  used  solely  to 
ventilate  or  light  a  water  closet  compartment,  bath  room,  or  pantry. 

(f)  "Public  Hall"  is  a  hall,  corridor  or  passageway  not  within  an  apartment, 
(gj     "Stair  Hall"  includes  the  stairs,  stair  landings  and  those  portions  of  the 

public  halls  through  which  it  is  necessary  to  pass  in  getting  from  the  entrance 
floor  to  the  top  story. 

(h)  "Basement"  is  a  story  partly,  but  not  more  than  one-half  below  the  level 
of  the  street  grade  nearest  the  building. 

(i)  "Cellar"  is  a  story  more  than  one-half  below  the  level  of  the  street  grade 
nearest  the  building.  Where  the  grade  of  a  street  adjacent  to  a  tenement  house 
varies,  the  mean  or  average  grade  of  such  street  opposite  the  lot  containing  the 
tenement  house  shall  be  regarded  as  the  grade  of  such  street  within  the  meaning  of 
this  chapter. 

(j)  "Story"  is  that  portion  of  a  building  between  the  top  of  any  floor  beams 
and  the  top  of  the  floor  or  ceiling  beams  next  above. 

433.  Sections— Where  Conflicting  With  Other  Sections.)     In  cases  of  direct 
conflict  with  the  provisions  of  other  sections  of  this  ordinance  relating  to  other 
classes,  the  provisions  of  the  sections  relating  to  Class  VI  shall  govern  in  respect 
ij  tenement  houses. 

434.  Changes    or    Alterations — Permits.)      Every   new    tenement    house    and 
every  change  or  alteration  in  any  existing  tenement  house  shall  conform  to  the  re- 
quirements of  this  Chapter.    No  new  tenement  house  shall  be  begun,  nor  shall  any 
changes  or  alterations  in  any  existing  tenement  house,  such  as  are  referred  to  in 
this  Chapter,  be  begun  until  a  permit  therefor  shall  have  been  issued  by  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings.     Such  permit  shall  be  issued  only  upon  an  application  by 
the  person,  firm  or  corporation  for  whom  the  building  is  to  be  erected  or  altered, 
and  after  approval  of  the  plans  and  specifications  for  such  tenement  house  or  for 
such  changes  or  alterations  by  the  Commissioner  of  Health  whenever  such  approval 
is  required  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago. 

435.  New  Tenement  House — When  to  be  Occupied.)      (a)     No  new  tenement 
house  shall  be  occupied  in  whole  or  in  part  for  human  habitation  until  the  issu- 
ance of  a  certificate  by  the  Commissioner  of  Health  that  said  building  conforms  to 


74  .  CITY    OB"    CHICAGO 

the  requirements  of  this  Chapter  relative  to  light  and  ventilation,  plumbing  and 
drainage  applicable  to  said  buildings,  nor  until  the  issuance  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings  of  a  certificate  that  the  said  building  conforms  to  the  requirements  of 
this  Chapter  relative  to  fire  escapes  and  means  of  egress  applicable  to  new  tene- 
ment houses.  Within  five  days  from  date  of  application  for  any  certificate  above 
mentioned,  such  certificate  shall  be  issued  or  the  official  concerned  shall  state  in 
writing  his  reasons  for  his  refusal  to  issue  said  certificate. 

(b)  The   certificate   above  referred  to   may   be   issued  in   the   case   of  a   new 
tenement  building  comprising  more  than  three  apartments  so  as  to  allow  the  occu- 
pation of  any  section  of  the  building  extending  from  cellar  to  roof  in  advance  of 
the  completion  of  the  other  portions  of  the  building. 

(c)  When  the  outer  walls  of  a  new  tenement  house  have  been  erected  so  as 
to  outline  the  position  of  the  courts  and  shafts  required  for  the  lighting  and  venti- 
lation of  habitable  rooms,  the  owner  of  the  building  or  his  representative  shall  be 
entitled,  upon  application  in  writing,  to  an  inspection  of  the  same  by  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings,  and  if  the  work  to  that  point  is  in  compliance  with  the  pro- 
visions regarding  the  size  of  shafts  and  the  location  of  the  building,  to  a  certificate 
setting  forth  those  facts. 

(d)  When  the  work  of  constructing  partitions  has  advanced  to  a  degree  on 
any  floor,  that  the  rooms  on  that  floor  are  determined  in  their  dimensions,  the 
owner  or  his  representative  shall  be  entitled  to  an  inspection  from  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings,  and  if  the  rooms  thus  outlined  conform  in  their  dimensions 
to  the  plans  filed  and  to  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter,  to  a  certificate  stating 
that  fact. 

(e)  If  a  new  tenement  house  is  occupied  as  a  place  of  habitation  in  any  of  its 
parts  in  violation  of  this  section,  it  shall  forthwith  be  subject  to  notice  from  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings   and  shall  be  vacated  upon  such  notice  and   shall  not 
again  be  occupied  until  made  to  conform  with  the  provisions  of  ths  Chapter  nor 
until  after  the  issuance  of  the  two  certificates  required  in  this  section. 

436.  Plat  to  be  Filed.)    At  the  time  of  applying  for  a  permit  for  the  erection 
of,  alteration  of,  addition  to,  or  moving  of,  a  tenement  house,  or  for  the  erection, 
alteration,  adding  to,  or  moving  of,  any  building  upon  a  lot  upon  which  a  tenement 
house  stands,  the  applicant  shall  submit  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  a  plat 
of  the  lot,  showing  the  dimensions  of  the  same  and  the  position  to  be  occupied  by 
the  proposed  building  or  by  the  building  to  be  altered  or  added  to  or  by  the  build- 
ing to  be  moved  thereon,  and  the  position  of  any  other  building  or  buildings  that 
may  be  on  the  lot.     The  measurements  shall  in  all  cases  be  taken  at  the  top  of  the 
first  story  and  shall  not  include  any  portion  of  any  street  or  alley. 

437.  Corner  Lot  Defined — Frontages.)     By  "corner  lot"  is  meant  a  lot  situ- 
ated at  the  junction  of  two  streets  or  of  a  street  and  a  public  alley  at  least  sixteen 
feet  wide,  provided  that  if  such  alley  be  less  than  sixteen  feet  wide,  and  the  lot  be 
estimated  on  a  line  sixteen  feet  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  alley,  such  lot  may  be 
considered  a  corner  lot.    Any  portion  of  the  width  of  such  lot  distant  more  than 
fifty  feet  from  such  junction  shall  not  be  regarded  as  part  of  a  corner  lot,  but 
shall  be  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter  respecting  other  than  corner  lots. 
Where,  in  corner  lots,  the  two  frontages  are  of  unequal  length,  the  lesser  street 
frontage  shall  be  taken  as  the  width  of  the  lot.     Street  frontage  alone,   and  not 
alley  frontage  shall  be  considered  in  determining  such  lesser  frontage. 

438.  Height— How  Measured.)      (a)      The   height   of  a   new   tenement   house 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  75 

shall  not  exceed  by  more  than  one-half  the  platted  width  of  the  widest  street  on 
which  it  abuts,  and  no  existing  tenement  house  shall  be  increased  beyond  such 
height. 

(b)  Provided,  however,  that  any  distance  the  building  sets  back  from  the  lot 
line  shall  be  added  to  the  width  of  the  street  in  making  this  computation.  Such 
height  shall  be  the  perpendicular  distance  from  the  grade  nearest  the  house  to  the 
highest  point  of  the  roof  but  shall  not  include  as  part  of  the  roof  any  cornice  or 
bulkhead  less  than  eight  feet  high,  or  any  elevator  enclosure  less  than  sixteen  feet 
high.  Where  such  street  grade  varies,  the  mean  or  average  grade  thereof  opposite 
such  house  shall  be  the  datum  from  which  such  height  shall  be  measured. 

*439.  Distance  Between  Buildings.)  Xo  existing  tenement  house  shall  here- 
after be  enlarged  or  its  lot  be  diminished,  so  that  the  rear  line  of  any  building 
on  such  lot  approaches  nearer  than  ten  feet  to  the  rear  line  of  the  lot,  unless  the 
rt-ar  of  the  lot  upon  which  it  stands  abuts  upon  a  public  alley,  in  which  case  the 
rear  line  of  such  building  shall  be  not  less  than  sixteen  feet  from  the  opposite  side 
of  such  alley.  Where  a  tenement  house,  now  existing  or  hereafter  erected,  stands 
upon  a  lot  other  than  a  corner  lot,  no  other  building  shall  hereafter  be  placed  upon 
the  front  or  rear  of  that  lot,  unless  the  minimum  distance  between  such  buildings 
t-e  at  least  ten  feet,  if  neither  building  exceeds  the  height  of  one  story;  or  fifteen 
feet,  if  either  building  exceeds  the  height  of  one  story,  but  not  the  height  of  two 
stories,  and  so  on,  five  additional  feet  to  'be  added  to  such  minimum  distance  of  ten 
feet  for  every  story  more  than  one,  in  the  height  of  the  highest  building  on  such 
lot.  Provided,  that  a  one-story  building  without  basement,  and  not  used  tor  Habita- 
tion, may  be  placed  on  the  rear  of  a  lot  containing  a  tenement  house,  if  a  minimum 
distance  of  ten  feet  is  maintained  between  every  point  of  such  building  and  the 
tenement  house. 

440.  Percentage    of    Area    Allowed    to    be    Covered.)     No    existing    tenement 
house  shall  hereafter  be  enlarged  nor  its  lot  be  diminished,  nor  other  buildings  be 
placed  on  its  lot.  nor  a  tenement  house  be  moved  on  a  lot  on  which  there  is  an  exist- 
ing building,  so  that  after  such  change  a  larger  proportion  of  any  corner  lot  or  other 
lot  upon  which  it  is  situated  is  covered  by  buildings,  than  the  following  proportions, 
respectively:    No  new  tenement  house  alone  or  with  other  buildings  now  or  here- 
after erected,  shall  occupy  above  the  first  story  more  than  eighty-five  per  centum  of 
the  area  of  a  corner  lot,  provided  that  in  the  case  of  a  fireproof  building,  in  which 
the  windows  of  every  habitable  room  open  directly  on  a  street,  the  portion  of  the 
lot  covered  may  be  ninety  per  centum  of  the  area  of  said  lot,  subject  to  the  re- 
quirement that  a  ten  foot  space  must  be  left  above  the  first  story  opposite  the  lesser 
frontage;  or  more  than  ninety  per  centum  of  the  area  of  such  corner  lot  if  such 
corner  lot  is  bounded  on  at  least  three  sides  by  streets  or  alleys;   or  more  than 
seventy-five  per  centum  of  the  area  of  any  other  lot,  provided  that  the  space  occu- 
pied by  fire  escapes,  constructed  and  erected  according  to  law  and  not  more  than 
four  feet  wide,  shall  be  deemed  unoccupied.     Provided,  however,  that  in  case  of  a 
lot,  triangular  or  irregular  in  shape  bounded  on  two  or  more  sides  by  a  street  and 
having  a  number  of  lineal  feet  street  frontage  exceeding  one-twentieth  of  the  num- 
ber of  square  feet  in  the  area  of  such  lot,  it  shall  not  be  necessary  to  comply  with 
the  conditions  of  this  section  as  to  percentage  of  lot  which  may  be  covered. 

441.  Must   Have  Alley  or  Yard   in  Rear— Size  of  Yard  Increased.)     At   the 

::A*  amended  March  18.  1913.  See  page  4021,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  Citv  Council. 


76  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

rear  of  every  lot  containing  a  tenement  house,  there  shall  be  a  yard  open  and 
unobstructed  from  the  earth  to  the  sky,  except  by  fire  escapes  not  more  than  four 
feet  wide,  constructed  and  erected  according  to  law,  unless  the  rear  of  such  lot 
abuts  upon  a  public  alley  at  least  ten  feet  wide,  in  which  case  the  rear  line  of 
such  building  shall  be  not  less  than  16  feet  from  the  opposite  side  of  such  alley; 
every  part  of  such  yard  shall  be  directly  accessible  from  every  other  part  thereof; 
such  yard  shall  have  an  area  of  at  least  eight  per  centum  of  the  superficial  area  of 
the  lot  on  corner  lots,  except  as  otherwise  provided  in  this  section;  and  on  other 
lots,  such  yards  shall  have  an  area  of  at  least  ten  per  centum  of  the  superficial 
area  of  the  lot.  Every  such  yard  shall  be  increased  one  per  centum  of  the  superficial 
area  of  the  lot  for  every  story  above  three  stories  in  height  of  the  tenement  house 
situated  thereon. 

*442.  Courts — Inner — Outer — Lot  Line.)  (a)  "Inner  courts"  of  all  new  tene- 
ment houses  as  defined  in  Section  432  of  this  ordinance,  shall  have  minimum 
widths  at  every  point  and  minimum  areas  as  follows: 

Courts —  Least  width  Least  area 

Height  of  in  feet.  in  square  feet. 

1  story 6 100 

2  stories 6 120 

3  stories 8 160 

4  stories 8 160 

5  stories 12 260 

6  stories 16 400 

7  stories 20 625 

8  stories  or  more 24 840 

(b)  The  height  of  a  court  shall  be  the  number  of  stories  having  habitable 
rooms  with  windows  in  its  walls. 

(c)  "Outer  courts"  and  "lot  line  courts"  of  all  new  tenement  houses  as  defined 
in  Section  432  of  this  Chapter  shall  have  minimum  widths  at  every  point  equal  to 
one-half  of  the  minimum  widths  required  by  this  section,  and  "lot  line  courts"  shall 
have  minimum  areas  equal  to  one  half  of  the  minimum  areas  required  herein  for 
•'inner  courts." 

(d)  The  minimum  widths  hereinbefore  specified  for  outer  courts  and  the  mini- 
mum widths  and  areas  specified  for  lot  line  courts  are  to  be  provided  irrespective  of 
the  presence  of  or  dimensions  of  courts  on  other  premises  bounded  by  the  same  lot 
line. 

(e)  Every  "inner  court"  and  every  "lot  line  court"  of  every  new   tenement 
shall  be  connected  directly  with  a  street,  alley,  yard,  or  outer  court  by  an  opening 
extending  from  grade  at  the  building  to  a  height  of  at  least  fifteen  feet,  and  kept 
unobstructed  save  by  an  openwork  grill  or  grate,  such  opening  to  be  at  least  two 
feet  wide  for  an  inner  court  and  one  foot  wide  for  a  lot  line  court.    In  case  of  a 
three-story  tenement  on  a  lot  twenty-five  feet  or  less  in  width,  a  continuous  lot  line 
passage  open  to  the  sky,  and  six  inches  in  width,  shall  be  accepted  for  the  open- 
ing specified  above  as  one  foot  wide  for  a  lot  line  court.    If  such  inner  court  or 
lot  line  court  starts  from  any  point  above  finished  grade  at  building,  such  starting 
point  shall  be  considered  as  grade  for  purpose  of  determining  the  location  of  the 
opening  to  outer  air  herein  specified. 


*As  amended  March  20,  1911.     See  page  4252,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  77 

(f)  In   case   of  a   three-story   tenement  on   a  lot  twenty-five   feet  or   less   in 
width,  a  continuous  lot  line  passage  open  to  the  sky,  and  at  least  three  feet  wide, 
shall  be  accepted  in  lieu  of  a  lot  line  court  or  outer  court  hereinbefore  specified  in 
Paragraph    (a).     In  case  of  a  three-story  tenement  on  a  lot  thirty  feet  or  less  in 
width,  a  continuous  lot  line  passage  open  to  the  sky,  and  at  least  three  feet  six 
inches  wide,  shall  be  accepted  in  lieu  of  a  lot  line  court  or  outer  court  hereinbefore 
specified  in  Paragraph  (a). 

(g)  In   case   of  a   two-story   tenement   on   a   lot   twenty-five   feet   or   less   in 
width,  a  lot  line  court  having  an  area  of  at  least  fifty  square  feet  shall  be  accepted 
in  lieu  of  a  lot  line  court  heretofore  specified  in  Paragraph    (a)    of  this   section, 
and  in  case  of  a  three-story  tenement  on  a  lot  of  twenty-five  feet  or  less  in  width, 
a  lot  line  court  having  an  area  of  at  least  sixty  square  feet  shall  be  accepted  in  lieu  of 
a    lot    line   court   hereinbefore    specified    and    required    by    Paragraph    (a)    of    this 
section. 

(h)  In  case  of  two  or  three-story  tenement  buildings  on  lots  twenty-five  feet 
or  less  in  width,  where  there  is  only  one  apartment  on  each  story  containing  not 
more  than  four  rooms  in  such  apartment,  the  light  courts  hereinbefore  specified  in 
Paragraph  (a)  may  be  omitted,  provided  there  is  a  continuous  passageway  open  to 
the  sky  and  not  less  than  three  feet  wide  on  one  side  of  said  building. 

443.  Vent    Shaft  — Area    of.)      (a)      "Vent    shafts"    of    all    new    tenement 

houses,  as  defined  in  Section  454  of  this  ordinance,  shall  have  minimum  widths  at 
every  point  and  minimum  areas  as  follows: 

Vent  shafts —  Least  width  Least  area 

Height  of  in  feet.  in  square  feet. 

1  story    3... 21 

2  stories    3 22% 

3  stories    3 27 

4  stories    3 36 

5  stories    5 48 

0    stories    6 72 

7  stories    8 96 

8  stories  or  more 8 120 

(b)  Every  such  vent  shaft  in  every  new  tenement  house  more  than  two  stories 
high,  shall  be  connected  directly  with  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court  by  one  or  more 
horizontal  ducts  or  intakes  at  a  level  not  lower  than  the  finished  grade  of  building 
nor  higher  than  second  story  floor;  the  total  area  of  such  ducts  to  be  not  less  than 
three  per  cent  of  the  area  of  such  vent  shaft,  and  no  single  duct  to  be  of  less  area 
than  one  hundred  square  inches;  such  total  and  individual  duct  area  shall  be  net 
over  and  above  all  obstructions. 

444.  Stair  Hall  and  Shaft— Well  Hole  Dimensions.)     (a)     Every  public  stair 
hall  in  every  new  tenement  house  shall,  for  each  story,  have  a  window  of  an  area  of 
at  least  twelve  square  feet,  opening  directly  on  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court;  or  on 
a  shaft  of  minimum  area,  as  hereinafter  provided;  or  shall  have  an  unobstructed 
vertical  well-hole  of  the  following  minimum  area  at  each  floor  line  above  the  first, 
and,  directly  over  such  well-hole,  there  shall  be  a  skylight  of  twice  the  following 
minimum  area: 


78  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

Building —  Least  area  in  square  feet  of 

Height  of  stair  shaft  or  well  hole. 

2  stories — if  there  is  more  than  one  apartment  on  a  floor 8 

3  stories — if  there  is  more  than  one  apartment  on  a  floor 13 

4  stories    19 

5  stories 25 

6  stories  or   more 38 

(b)  Such  window,  if  any,  shall  be  so  placed  that  light  may  pass  directly  to  the 
opposite  end  of  the  hall,  or  else  there  shall  be  at  least  one  window  opening  directly 
upon  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court  in  every  twenty  feet  in  length  or  fraction  thereof 
of  such  hall,  except  in  so  much  of  any  entrance  hall  as  lies  between  the  entrance 
and  the  flight  of  stairs  nearest  the  entrance.     In  any  such  public  hall,  recesses  or 
returns,  the  length  of  which  does  not  exceed  twice  the  width  of  the  hall,  will  be 
permitted,   without    an    additional    window,   but,   otherwise,   each    recess    or   return 
shall   be  regarded   for   the  purposes  of  this   Section  as  if  it  were   a  separate  hall. 
Any  part  of  a  public  hall  which  is  shut  off  from  any  other  part  by  a  door  or  doors 
shall  be  deemed  a  separate  public  hall  within  the  meaning  of  this  Section. 

(c)  Skylights  shall  be  ventilating  skylights  and  shall  have  over  them  a  wire 
netting  mounted  on  wire  frame  and  6- inch  iron  legs,  of  wire  not  lighter  than  No. 
12  and  with  mesh  not  coarser  than  one  inch  by  one  inch,  unless  constructed  of  wired 
glass  or  prismatic  light  glass. 

445.  Rooms — Sizes  and  Height  of — Attic  Rooms.)      (a)     In  every  new  tene- 
ment house,  all  habitable  rooms  shall  be  of  the  following  minimum  sizes: 

(b)  In  each  apartment,  there  shall  be  at  least  one  room  containing  not  less  than 
one  hundred  twenty  square  feet  of  floor  area,  and  every  other  room  shall  contain  at 
least  eighty  square  feet  of  floor  area,  provided,  however,  that  in  the  case  of  a  room 
having  a  window  not  less  than  eighteen  feet  in  area  opening  upon  a  public  street, 
the  floor  area  need  not  be  greater  than  seventy  feet.  Each  room  shall  be  in  every  part 
not  less  than  eight  feet  six  inches  high  from  the  finished  floor  to  the  finished  ceiling; 
provided,  however,  an  attic  room  need  be  eight  feet  six  inches  high  in  but  one-half  of 
its  area,  provided  there  are  not  less  than  750  cubic  feet  of  air  space  therein. 

446.  Alcoves   and   Alcove   Rooms.)      (a)      For   the   purpose    of   buildings    of 
Classes  III  and  IV,  an  alcove  shall  *be  defined  as  a  recess  connected  with  or  at  the 
side  of  a  larger  room.    The  floor  of  such  an  alcove  shall  be  counted  as  a  part  of  the 
floor  area  and  its  cubic  contents  as  a  part  of  the  cubic  contents  of  the  room  with 
which  it  is  connected. 

(b)  In  every  new   tenement  house  every  alcove   shall  be  deemed  a   separate 
room  for  all  purposes  within  the  meaning  of  this  Chapter,  except  an  alcove  that  has 
a  floor  area  of  not  to  exceed  thirty-five  square  feet  and  that  has  an  unobstructed 
opening,  equal  in  area  to  twenty  per  centum  of  its  entire  wall  surface,  into  an  ad- 
joining habitable  room;    provided  that  in  constructing  additional  habitable  room? 
by  raising  or  altering  existing  one  story  dwellings,  the  limitation  of  the  floor  area 
of  an  alcove  may  be  disregarded,  provided  such  alcove  has  an  unobstructed  open- 
ing, equal  to  the  floor  area  of  such  alcove,  into  .an  adjoining  habitable  room. 

(c)  This  section  shall  not  be  construed  as  forbidding  the  erection  of  pilasters 
or  other  decorative  effects  projecting  not  more  than  eighteen  inches  from  the  plane 
of  the  wall  of  a  habitable  room. 

(d)  No  part  of  any  room  in  a  tenement  house  shall  be  enclosed  or  sub-divide 
at  any  time,  wholly  or  in  part,  by  a  curtain,  portiers,  fixed  or  movable  partition 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  79 

other  contrivance  or  device,  unless  each  part  of  the  room  so  enclosed  or  sub-divided 
shall  contain  a  separate  window  as  herein  required,  and  shall  have  a  floor  area  of 
not  less  than  80  square  feet  as  herein  required  for  habitable  rooms,  except  as  here- 
tofore provided  in  this  section. 

447.  Air — Quantity  of  for  Each  Person.)     No  room  in  any  tenement  house 
?hall  be  occupied  so  that  the  allowance  of  air  to  each  adult  person  living  or  sleep- 
ing in  such  room  shall  at  any  time  be  less  than  four  hundred  cubic,  feet  or  less  than 
two  hundred  cubic  feet  for  each  person  under  twelve  years  of  age. 

448.  Habitable   Rooms — Bath   Rooms — Pantries — Requirement   as   to   Ventila- 
tion and  Lighting.)     (a)     In  every  new  tenement  house  every  habitable  room  shall 
have  a  window  or  windows  with  a  total  glass  area  equal  to  at  least  one-tenth  of  its 
floor  area  opening  onto  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court.     None  of  such  required  win- 
dows shall  have  a  glass  area  of  less  than  ten  square  feet,  and  each  such  window  shall 
have  its  top  not  less  than  seven  feet  above  the  floor  and  shall  be  so  constructed  that 
at  least  its  upper  half  may  be  opened  its  full  width. 

(b)  In  every  new  tenement  house  every  bath  room,  water  closet,  or 
urinal  compartment  shall  have  at  least  one  window  with  a  glass  area  of  at  least  six 
square  feet  and  a  minimum  width  of  one  foot,  opening  upon  a  street,  alley,  yard, 
court  or  vent  shaft. 

(c)  In  every  new  tenement  house  every  pantry  shall  have  at  least  one  win- 
dow of  not  less  than  six  square  feet  in  area,  with  a  width  of  not  less  than  one  foot, 
opening  into  a  street,  alley,  yard,  court  or  vent  shaft,  which  vent  shaft  shall  be  at 
least  six  square  feet  in  area. 

449.  New  Tenements— Habitable  Rooms  in  Basements— Prohibited  in  Cellars.) 

In  no  new  tenement  house  shall  any  room  in  the  cellar  be  constructed,  altered,  con- 
verted or  occupied  for  living  purposes ;  and  no  room  in  the  basement  of  a  new  tene- 
ment house  shall  be  constructed,  altered,  converted  or  occupied  for  living  pur- 
poses unless  such  room  shall  be  at  least  eight  feet  six  inches  high  in  the  clear  and 
shall  have  at  least  one-half  of  such  height  above  the  finished  grade  of  said  premises 
at  the  building,  and  at  least  four  feet  three  inches  of  such  height  above  the  aver- 
age street  grade  at  the  building. 

450.  Tenement  Houses — Requirements  for  Fireproof   and  Slow-burning  Con- 
struction.)    Every  new  tenement  house  more  than  five  stories  and  basement  high 
shall  be  of  fire-proof  construction.    Every  new  tenement  house  more   than  three 
stories  and  basement  high,  but  not  more  than  five  stories  and  basement  high  shall 
ba  of  slow-burning  or  fireproof  construction.     In  case  slow-burning  construction  be 
required,  the  cellar  and  basement  construction,  including  the  floor  construction  of 
the  first  story  above  the  cellar  or  basement,  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction. 

*451.  Frame  Tenement — Requirements.)  In  every  new  frame  tenement  house 
outside  the  fire  limits,  each  suite  of  apartments  shall  be  separated  from  the  next 
suite  in  such  building  by  a  partition  of  four-inch  tile  or  of  metal  studding  and 
metal  lath,  and  the  enclosing  walls  around  the  stairs,  where  there  are  two  or 
more  apartments  on  a  floor,  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction  or  of  solid  masonry 
of  the  same  dimensions  as  are  required  by  Section  519. 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3993,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


80  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

*452.  Frame  Additions  to  Frame  Tenement  Houses  Within  Fire  Limits  Not 
Permitted — Removal  of  Frame  Tenement  Houses.)  No  frame  addition  shall  be 
permitted  to  any  frame  tenement  house  within  the  fire  limits,  either  by  adding 
to  its  height  or  its  superficial  area. 

If  a  tenement  house,  standing  on  wooden  supports,  is  moved  to  another  lot,  it 
shall  not  again  be  placed  on  wooden  supports,  but  shall  be  placed  on  a  masonry 
or  concrete  foundation. 

If  a  frame  tenement  nouse,  not  more  than  two  stories  high,  is  moved  from 
one  location  to  another  upon  the  same  lot,  it  may  be  set  upon  wooden  posts  and 
a  basement  or  cellar  not  to  exceed  six  feet  six  inches  in  height  from  the  floor  to 
the  ceiling  thereof  may  be  maintained  thereunder,  and  no  habitable  rooms  shall 
be  constructed  or  occupied  in  said  basement  or  cellar. 

453.  Entrance  Halls — Solid  Masonry — Exceptions — Ceilings.)     Every  main  en- 
trance hall  in  a  new  tenement  house  shall  be  at  least  three  feet  six  inches  wide 
in  the  clear  from  the  entrance  up  to  and  including  the  stair  enclosure  and  beyond 
this  point  at  least  three  feet  wide  in  the  clear.     In  every  new  non-fireproof  tene- 
ment house,  except  where  there  be  only  one  apartment  on  each  floor,  such  entrance 
hall  shall  be  inclosed  with  solid  masonry  walls  and  with  ceilings  covered  with  in- 
combustible material  and  shall  comply  with  all  the  conditions  of  the  following  sec- 
tions of  this  ordinance  as  to  the  construction  of  stair  halls.     If  such  main  entrance 
hall  is  the  only  entrance  to  more  than  one  flight  of  stairs,  the  several  portions  of 
such  main  entrance  hall  which  separate  the  entrance  of  the  building  from  the  sev- 
eral flights  of  stairs,  respectively,  shall  be  increased  respectively  at  least  one  foot 
in  width  for  each  additional  flight  of  stairs. 

454.  Stair    Halls  —  Construction    of.)      (a)      The    stairs    and    stair    halls    in 
all  new  tenement  houses  more  than  three  stories  and  basement  or  cellar  high  shall 
be  constructed  of  incombustible  material  throughout,  except  that  the  treads  of  stairs 
may  be  of  wood  not  less  than  one  and  three-eighths  inches  thick  and  all  handrails 
may  be  of  hard  wood. 

(b)  In  every  new  non-fireproof  tenement  house  all  stair  halls  shall  be  enclosed 
on  all  sides  with  walls  of  solid  masonry  of  the  dimensions  required  by  Section  519. 
All  windows  in  stair  halls,  except  where  same  open  into  a  street,  alley,  outer  court, 
or  yard,  shall  have  metal  frames  and  sashes,  glazed  with  wired  glass.  This  sec- 
tion shall  not  apply  to  tenement  houses  which  are  not  more  than  three  stories  and 
basement  high  with  only  one  apartment  on  each  floor. 

t455.  Apartments  Divided  by  Masonry.)  (a)  There  shall  be  a  wall  of  solid 
masonry,  of  thickness  as  required  by  Section  519,  extending  from  the  ground  to 
the  roof  between  each  set  of  apartments  and  around  each  court  and  each  light 
shaft,  except  as  hereinafter  provided;  (a)  provided,  however,  that  a  wall  between 
apartments  and  extending  from  the  main  stair  hall  to  the  outer  wall  of  the  build- 
ing may  be  off -set  at  the  second  story  floor  line  to  some  point  nearer  the  center 
of  the  building,  or  of  the  group  of  apartments,  to  admit  of  an  even  distribution 
of  space  in  the  roonu  adjacent  to  such  wall,  if  such  wall  is  supported  at  the  second 
story  floor  line  on  fireproofed  steel  or  iron  beams  which  extend  from  the  brick  wall 


*As  amended  July  8,  1912.  See  page  1046,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

fAs  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3993,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  81 

surrounding  the  main  stair  hall  to  the  outer  wall  of  the  building;  and  provided, 
further,  that  such  offset  wall  may  be  reduced  to  the  thickness  of  eight  inches,  if 
supported  at  each  floor  line  above  the  first  story  on  fireproofed  steel  or  iron  beams 
carried  by  masonry  walls  as  above  specified;  (b)  and  provided,  however,  that,  in 
case  there  is  a  store  or  stores  in  the  first  story  of  a  building  of  this  class,  a 
masonry  dividing  wall  between  apartments  may  begin  at  the  second  story  floor 
line,  if  such  dividing  wall  is  supported  on  fireproofed  steel  or  iron  beams  carried 
by  masonry;  and  provided,  further,  that  such  dividing  wall  may  be  reduced  to  the 
thickness  of  eight  inches,  if  supported  at  each  floor  line  above  the  first  story  on 
fireproofed  steel  or  iron  beams  carried  by  masonry.  And  provided  that  in  build- 
ings of  fireproof  construction  the  partitions  between  apartments,  and  around 
stairs  may  be  of  burnt  clay  tile  not  less  than  three  inches  in  thickness  or  rein- 
forced concrete  partitions  not  less  than  three  inches  in  thickness. 

(b)  In  buildings  of  ordinary  construction  two  separate  thicknesses  of  metal 
lath  and  fire-resisting  plaster  shall  be  used  as  fireproofing,  as  required  by  this 
section. 

456.  Ceilings  Over  Stores — Courts  and  Shafts  Beginning  Above  First  Story.) 
(a)     In  every  new  non-fireproof  tenement  house  in  which  there  is  a  store  or  stores 
in  the  first  story,  if  the  building  is  three  stories  or  less  in  height,  the  portions  of 
the  first  story  ceiling  directly  under  all  public  halls  shall  be  of  slow  burning  con- 
struction, and  if  the  building  is  four  or  more  stories  in  height  the  entire  basement 
and  first  story  construction  and  the  second  story  floor  construction  shall  be  of  fire 
proof  construction. 

(b)  In  every  new  non-fireproof  tenement  house  the  masonry  walls  enclosing 
every  court  or  light  or  vent  shaft  beginning  above  the  first  story  shall  be  supported 
on  fireproofed  steel  or  iron  beams  carried  by  masonry  or  by  fireproofed  steel  or  iron 
columns;  and  such  court  or  shaft  enclosing  walls  may  be  reduced  to  the  thick- 
ness of  eight  inches  if  supported  at  every  intersecting  floor  line  on  fireproofed  steel 
or  iron  beams  carried  as  above  specified. 

457.  Damp-Proofing — Basement   Walls   to   Be   Masonry — Cement   Floor.)     in 
every  new  tenement  house  constructed  of  brick  or  frame,  the  foundations  and  base- 
ment walls  shall  be  built  of  masonry  or  concrete  not  less  than  twelve  inches  in 
thickness,  except  as  provided  in  Section  519  and  shall  have  all  outside  walls  below 
the  adjacent  ground  level  plastered  on  the  outside  with  Portland  cement  or  treated 
with  other  approved  damp-proofing  material,  and  such  walls,  as  high  as  the  ground 
level,  shall  be  laid  in  cement  mortar.     The  basement  or  cellar  of  every  existing 
and  new  tenement  house  shall  have  a  floor  of  Portland  cement  concrete  not  less 
than  three  inches  in  thickness  laid  on  not  less  than  six  inches  of  sand  or  cinders. 

*45S.  Bay  Windows— Courts — Vent  Shafts.)  (a)  The  walls  of  every  bay 
window  and  every  court  in  masonry  constructed  new  tenement  houses  shall  be  built 
of  brick  or  other  fireproof  construction  as  required  for  exterior  walls. 

(b)  The  walls  of  every  interior  vent  shaft  in  masonry  constructed  tenement 
houses  shall  be  built  of  masonry  or  of  fireproof  material  not  less  than  four  inches 
in  thickness,  supported  by  steel  or  iron. 

459.  Porches.)  Where  porches  are  constructed  in  courts  of  now  existing  or 
new  tenement  houses,  the  amount  of  area  of  unobstructed  space  in  such  courts  shall 
be  exclusive  of  space  occupied  by  stairs  and  porches.  No  additional  rear  porch  shall 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3994,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


82  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

be  constructed  on  any  existing  tenement  house  in  such  way  that  the  buildings  on 
the  lot  with  all  their  porches  shall  occupy  a  greater  proportion  of  the  lot  than  is 
permitted  in  Section  440  of  this  Chapter.  No  rear  porch  on  any  existing  tenement 
house  where  the  total  area  of  buildings  and  all  porches  exceeds  the  proportion  of  the 
lot  permitted  in  Section  440  of  this  Chapter  shall  be  reconstructed  until  the  plan  for 
such  re-construction  shall  have  been  submitted  to  and  approved  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings.  No  rear  porch  built  of  combustible  materials  and  more  than  eight 
feet  in  width,  excepting  stairways,  shall  be  constructed  on  any  new  tenement  house 
nor  added  to,  nor  re-constructed  on  any  existing  tenement  house. 

*460.  Flues  and  Chimneys.)  In  every  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
VI,  the  flues  or  chimneys  shall  conform  to  the  following  regulations:  For  one 
stove  opening,  the  flue  area  shall  not  be  less  than  forty-nine  square  inches.  For 
more  than  one  stove  opening  and  one  furnace  opening,  the  flue  area  shall  not  be 
less  than  seventy-seven  square  inches.  All  such  flues  shall  be  constructed  accord- 
ing to  the  requirements  of  Section  584  of  this  Chapter. 

461.  Bulkhead  in  Roof— Construction  of— When  Required.)  There  shall  be 
;n  the  roof  of  every  new  tenement  house,  unless  the  pitch  of  the  roof  thereof  exceeds 
one  foot  rise  in  four  foot  run,  at  least  one  bulkhead  or  scuttle,  fireproof  or  covered 
with  fireproof  material,  with  stairs  or  ladder  leading  thereto;  no  such  roof  open- 
ing shall  be  less  than  two  feet  by  three  feet.  Where  such  tenement  house  is  pro- 
vided with  rear  stairs,  there  shall  be  a  bulkhead  or  scuttle  accessible  from  each  of 
such  rear  stairs.  No  scuttle  or  bulkhead  door  shall  have  any  lock  on  it  but  may  be 
fastened  on  the  inside  by  movable  bolts  or  hooks. 

*462.  Stairways — Width  and  Construction  of.)  (a)  Every  now  existing  and 
every  new  tenement  house  shall  have  at  least  two  flights  of  stairs,  which  shall 
extend  from  the  entrance  floor  to  the  top  story,  and  which  stairs  shall  be  as  far 
apart  as  practicable.  One  of  said  stairways  shall  be  an  interior  stairway.  Such 
stairs  and  the  public  halls  in  every  tenement  house  shall  each  be  at  least  three  feet 
wide  in  the  clear,  and  every  apartment  shall  be  directly  accessible  from  both  such 
flights  of  stairs  without  going  through  any  other  apartment.  In  a  fireproof  build- 
ing, where  a  public  corridor  serving  two  or  more  apartments,  leads  directly  to  a 
stairway,  such  corridor  and  stairway  will  be  credited  as  one  of  the  two  required 
stairways.  If  any  existing  tenement  house  be  so  altered  as  to  increase  the  num- 
ber of  apartments  therein,  or  if  such  building  be  increased  in  height,  or  if  the 
halls  and  stairs  therein  be  damaged  by  fire  or  otherwise  to  an  extent  greater  than 
one-half  the  value  thereof,  the  entrance,  stair  halls,  entrance  halls  and  other  public 
halls  of  the  building  so  damaged  shall  be  made  to  conform  to  the  requirements 
of  this  Chapter  relating  to  new  tenement  houses. 

(b)  All  enclosed  stairs  in  every  tenement  house  shall  have  at  least  one  hand- 
rail, and  where  the  width  of  such  stairs  is  greater  than  3  feet  6  inches,  such  stairs 
shall  have  a  handrail  on  each  side  thereof.  All  open  stairs  shall  be  provided  with 
suitable  and  substantial  handrails  on  each  side. 

463.  Stairs  in  Non-Fireproof  Buildings,  Eighty  or  More  Rooms.)  Every 
new  non-fireproof  tenement  house  containing  over  eighty  rooms,  exclusive  of 
bath  rooms,  shall  have  one  additional  flight  of  stairs,  over  and  above  the  flights 
hereinbefore  provided  for,  for  every  additional  eighty  rooms,  or  fraction  thereof; 
but  if  such  building  contains  not  more  than  one  hundred  and  twenty  rooms,  ex- 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  pages  3994-3995,  Journal  of  the  Proceed- 
ings of  the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  83 

elusive  of  bath  rooms,  at  the  owner's  option,  in  lieu  of  an  additional  stairway, 
the  stairs  and  public  halls  throughout  the  entire  building  shall  be  at  least  one- 
half  wider  than  is  provided  in  this  chapter. 

464.  Stairs  in  Fireproof  Buildings,  One  Hundred  and  Twenty  Rooms  and  Up- 
ward.)     Every   new   fireproof   tenement   house    containing   over   one   hundred   and 
twenty  rooms,  exclusive  of  bath  rooms,   shall  have  one  additional  flight  of  stairs, 
over  and  above  the  nights  hereinbefore  provided  for,  for  every  additional  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  rooms  or  fraction  thereof;  but  if  such  building  contains  not  more 
than  one  hundred  and  eighty  rooms,  exclusive  of  bath  rooms,  at  the  owner's  option, 
in  lieu  of  an  additional  stairway,  the  stairs  and  public  halls  throughout  the  entire 
building  may  be  made  at  least  one-half  wider  than  is  provided  in  this  Chapter. 

465.  Stairs — Entrance  to — Treads  and  Risers.)     Every  flight  of  stairs  required 
in  a  tenement  house  shall  have  an  entrance  on  the  entrance  floor  from  a  street  or 
alley,  or  from  a  yard  or  court  which  opens  into  a  street  or  alley.     All  stairs  except 
rear  stairs,  in  new  tenement  houses,  shall  have  risers  not  more  than  seven  and  three- 
quarters   inches  high  and  treads  not  less  than  nine  and  one-half   inches  wide   ex- 
clusive of  nosings,  except  in  winding  stairs,  where  all  treads  at  a  point  eighteen 
inches  from  the  strings  on  the  well  side  shall  be  at  least  nine  and  one-half  inches 
wide,  exclusive  of  nosings. 

466.  Fire  Escapes.)     Every  tenement  house   four  or  more   stories   in   height 
shall  be  provided  with  a  fire  escape  or  fire  escapes,  such   as  are  required  by  this 
Chapter.    In  every  case  each  separate  apartment  shall  have  direct  access  to  at  least 
one  such  fire  escape  unless  such  apartment  shall  have  direct  access,  without  passing 
through  any  other  apartment,  to  at  least  two  separate  flights  of  stairs  leading  to  the 
ground,  one  of  which  is  placed  in  front  and  one  in  the  rear  of  such  building,  and  one 
of  which  may  be  placed  outside  of  the  building;  but  where  such  separate  apartment 
shall  not  have  access  to  two  such  flights  of  stairs,  then  such  apartment  shall  have 
direct  access  to  a  stairway  fire  escape.     Every  court  in  which  there  is  a  fire  escape 
shall  have  direct  and  unobstructed  access  along  the  surface  of  the  ground  to  a  street 
or  alley  or  to  a  yard  opening  into  an  alley  or  street  without  entering  into  or  passing 
through  or  over  any  building  unless  by  a  four  foot  wide  fireproof  passage  on  the 
court  or  ground  level.     Except  as  herein  specifically  provided,  the  number,  location, 
material  and  construction  of  fire  escapes  shall  be  controlled  by  the  general  provisions 
of  this  Chapter  on  fire  escapes. 

467.  Stairways  and  Fire  Escapes  to  Be  Free  From  Obstruction.)     No  obstruc- 
tion of  any  kind  shall  at  any  time  be  placed  before,  upon  or  against  any  stairway, 
steps  or  landings  or  fire  escapes  in  or  upon  any  tenement  house.     All  fire  escapes 
upon  tenement  houses  shall  be  kept  in  good  order  and  repair,  and  every  exposed 
part  thereof  shall  at  all  times  be  protected  agains-t  rust  by  durable  paint. 

468.  Shafts,     Courts,    Yards,     Graded— Concrete — Drained.)      In    every    now 
existing  and  new  tenement  house,  the  bottom  of  all  shafts,  courts  or  yards  shall  be 
provided  with  sanitary  drainage  and  shall  be  graded  or  paved. 

469.  Access  to  Rooms — Otherwise  than  Through  Bedroom.)     In  each  apart- 
ment in  every  new  tenement  house,  access  to  every  living  room  and  bedroom,  and  to 
at  least  one  water  closet  compartmen-t  shall  be  had  without  passing  through  any 
bedroom. 

470.  Water    Closets— Windows    in— Artificial    Light.)      (a)      In    every   new 
tenement  house  there  shall  be  a  separate  water  closet  in  a  separate  compartment 


84  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

within  each  apartment,  except  that  where  there  are  apartments  consisting  of  only 
one  or  two  rooms,  in  which  case  there  shall  be  at  least  one  water  closet  for  every 
two  apartments. 

(b)  Every  water  closet  compartment  in  every  existing  tenement  house  shall 
be  ventilated  by  such  a  window,  or  else  by  a  vent  shaft  of  at  least  one-half  the- 
minimum  area  required  in  'Section  443.  Every  water  closet  compartment  in  every 
tenement  house  shall  be  provided  with  proper  means  of  artificially  lighting  the  same. 
If  fixtures  for  gas  or  electricity  are  not  provided  in  any  such  compartment,  then  the 
door  thereof  shall  have  ground  glass  panels  or  transoms. 

471.  Sinks  —  Requirements.)     In    every    tenement    house    there    shall    be    in 
each  apartment  at  least  one  kitchen  sink  with  running  water.     In  every  existing 
tenement  if  there  be  not  one  such  sink  in  each  apartment  there  shall  be  on  every 
floor  at  least  one  kitchen  sink  with  running  water,  accessible  to  all  the  tenants  of  the 
floor,  without  passing  through  any  other  apartment.     In  no  tenement  house  shall 
there  be  woodwork  inclosing  sinks;  the  space  underneath  sinks  shall  be  left  entirely 
open. 

472.  Pipes  Through   Floors  —  Catch   Basins  —  Water   Closets.)      (a)      In   every 
new  tenement  house  where  plumbing  or  other  pipes  pass  through  floors  or  partitions, 
the  openings  around  such  pipes  shall  be  sealed  tight  with  plaster  or  other  incom- 
bustible material,  so  as  to  prevent  the  passage  of  air  or  the  spread  of  fire  from  one 
floor  to  another  or  from  room  to  room. 

(b)  In  the  premises  of  a  tenement  house  the  catchbasin  shall,  whenever  prac- 
ticable, be  placed  in  a  court  or  yard,  and  shall  be  covered  with  a  stone  or  iron  cover, 
flush  with  the  surface  so  that  access  to  such  basin  shall  be  convenient. 

(c)  Where  it  is  for  any  reason  impracticable  to  place  a  catchbasin  in  a  court 
or  yard,  the.  Commissioner  of  Health  may  authorize  the  use  of  an  iron  catchbasin 
with  air-tight  cover,  located  in  the  cellar  or  basement. 


Buildings  Damaged  by  Fire,  Etc.)  If  any  existing  tenement  house  is 
hereafter  damaged  by  fire  or  other  cause,  including  ordinary  wear,  so  that  at  any 
time  its  value  be  less  than  one-half  its  original  value  exclusive  of  the  value  of  the 
foundations,  such  building  shall  not  be  repaired  or  rebuilt  except  in  conformity 
with  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance  applicable  to  new  tenement  houses. 

473.  Provisions  of  this  Article  Not  to  Apply  to  Existing  Buildings,  Except 
Under  Certain  Circumstances  —  Then  Commissioner  to  Notify.)  (a)  Nothing  in 
this  Article  contained  shall  be  construed  as  requiring  alterations  in  the  construction 
or  equipment  of  buildings  in  existence  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  Article 
and  which  at  the  time  of  their  construction  were  built  in  compliance  with  the  ordi- 
nances then  in  force,  unless  they  are  in  conflict  with  the  requirements  of  Sections 
447,  466,  471,  475,  476,  477,  468;,  or  unless  such  buildings  shall  not  have  sufficient 
or  adequate  means  of  egress  therefrom,  by  reason  of  insufficient  or  inadequate 
stairways,  improperly  located  or  insufficient  or  inadequate  elevators  or  elevator 
equipment,  doors,  fire  escapes,  windows  or  other  means  of  egress  or  ingress. 

(b)  Where  it  shall  appear  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  that  any  such 
building  has  insufficient  means  of  egress  therefrom  as  aforesaid,  he  shall  notify 
the  owner,  agent  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  such  building  of  such 
fact  and  direct  him  forthwith  to  make  such  alterations  and  changes  in  the  con- 
struction or  equipment  of  such  building,  as  are  necessary  to  be  made  in  order  to 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  85 

promote  the  safety  of  the  occupants  of  such  building  and  of  persons  using  the  same 
and  of  the  public. 

474.  Rooms  and  Halls — Additional.)  Every  room  or  hall  that  may  hereafter 
be  constructed  or  created  in  an  existing  tenement  house  shall  comply  in  all  respects 
with  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance  as  to  size,  arrangement,  light  and  ventilation 
of  rooms  and  halls. 

*475.  Rooms — Change  in  Existing.)  No  room  in  any  now  existing  tenement 
house  shall  hereafter  be  constructed,  altered,  converted  or  occupied  for  living  pur- 
i  poses,  unless  it  contains  a  window  having  a  superficial  area  not  less  than  one- 
!  twelfth  of  the  floor  area  of  the  room,  which  window  shall  open  upon  a  street  or 
alley  or  upon  a  yard  or  court  having  a  superficial  area  of  not  less  than  twenty- 
five  square  feet  and  a  minimum  width  of  not  less  than  two  feet  six  inches,  or 
unless  such  room  adjoins  another  room  in  the  same  apartment,  which  other  room 
shall  have  such  a  window  opening  upon  such  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court,  be- 
tween which  two  adjoining  rooms  there  shall  be  an  alcove  opening  equal  in  extent 
to  at  least  20  per  cent  of  the  entire  wall  surface  of  said  room;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  all  of  the  requirements  of  Sections  439  and  440  of  The  Chicago  Code 
of  1911  shall  be  complied  with. 

Where  a  frame  tenement  house  is  moved  from  one  lot  to  another,  or  from 
one  location  to  another  on  the  same  lot,  it  shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of 
Section  452  of  this  Chapter. 

476.  Windows — Courts — Attic.)  No  room  in  any  now  existing  tenement 
house,  which  has  no  such  window  as  aforesaid,  opening  upon  a  street  or  alley  or 
upon  a  yard  or  court  having  a  superficial  area  of  not  less  than  twenty-five  square 
feet,  shall  hereafter  be  constructed,  altered,  converted  or  occupied  for  living  pur- 
poses, unless  it  contains  a  floor  area  of  at  least  sixty  square  feet  and  also  at  least 
six  hundred  cubic  feet  of  air  space;  nor  unless  every  part  of  the  finished  ceiling  of 
such  room  be  at  least  seven  feet  six  inches  distant  from  every  part  of  the  finished 
floor  thereof;  provided;,  that  an  attic  room  need  be  seven  feet  six  inches  high  in 
but  one-half  of  its  area,  and,  provided,  further,  that  such  attic  room  has  not  less 
than  seven  hundred  fifty  cubic  feet  of  air  space  therein;  and  such  attic  room  shall 
not  be  used  for  purposes  of  human  habitation  other  than  as  a  sleeping  room. 

f477.  Existing  Tenements — Living  Rooms  in  Cellars  or  Basements — When 
Permitted.)  In  every  existing  tenement  house,  no  room  in  an  existing  cellar 
or  basement  shall  be  occupied  for  living  purposes  unless  such  room  shall 
be  at  least  seven  feet  six  inches  high  in  the  clear,  and  have  not  more 
than  four  feet  eight  inches  of  such  cellar  or  basement  below  the  finished  grade  at 
building;  provided  that  no  such  room  shall  be  used  for  living  purposes  unless  such 
room  shall  have  a  window  opening  upon  a  street,  alley,  yard  or  court,  and,  provided, 
that  when  the  windows  of  any  living  room  front  solely  upon  a  street  and  the  floor 
of  such  basement  is  four  feet  eight  inches  below  the  sidewalk  grade,  such  windows 
shall  be  located  not  less  than  three  feet  back  of  the  lot  line;  provided,  however; 
that  in  every  case  where  the  height  of  ceiling  of  any  living  room  is  less  than  eight 


*As  amended  July  8,  1912.  See  pages  1046-7,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

fAs  amended  July  8,  1912.  See  page  1047,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


86  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

feet  six  inches  in  the  clear,  the  window  area  of  such  room  shall  be  at  least  fifteen 
per  centum  of  the  floor  area. 

(b)  When  a  brick  or  frame  tenement  house  is  moved  from  one  lot  to  an 
other,  or  from  one  location  to  another  on  the  same  lot,  and  a  basement  or  story 
or  both,  is  constructed  under  the  same,  the  total  height  of  which  is  more  thai 
six  feet  six  inches  from  the  floor  to  the  ceiling,  the  walls  of  such  basement  shal 
be  constructed  of  masonry  according  to  the  provisions  of  Section  658  of  The  Chi 
cago  Code  of  1911,  and  the  habitable  rooms  therein  shall  comply  with  the  pro 
visions  of  Section  475  of  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911,  and  the  space  on  the  lot  shal 
comply  with  the  provisions  of  Section  430  and  Section  440  of  The  Chicago  Cod 
of  1911. 

477%.  Insanitary  Conditions— Nuisance.)  A  tenement  house  or  part  thereo 
which  is  in  an  insanitary  condition  by  reason  of  the  basement  or  cellar  bein 
damp  or  wet,  or  by  reason  of  the  floor  of  such  basement  or  cellar  being  covered  wit 
stagnant  water  or  by  reason  of  the  presence  of  sewer  gas,  or  by  reason  of  any  por 
tion  of  such  building  being  infected  with  disease,  or  being  unfit  for  human  habita 
tion,  or  which  by  reason  of  any  other  insanitary  condition  is  a  source  of  producin, 
sickness  among  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  or  which  in  any  way  endangers  th 
public  health,  is  hereby  declared  to  constitute  a  public  nuisance. 


ARTICL^    X. 

CLASS     VII. 

478.  Class  VII  Defined.)     In  Class  VII  shall  be  included  every  building  use 
for  the  sale  at  retail  of  dry  goods  and  other  articles  of  general  merchandise  and 
commonly  known  and  described  as  a  department  store. 

478 y2.  Must  Comply  With  General  and  Special  Provisions.)  Every  building 
of  Class  VII  shall  comply  with  the  general  provisions  of  this  Chapter,  and,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  general  provisions,  shall  comply  with  the  following  special  provisions: 

479.  Buildings  of  Class  VII — Construction  of.)     Buildings  three  stories  or  less 
in  height,  used  either  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purpose  of  Class  VII,  may  be  o 
ordinary    construction.      Such    buildings  more    than   three    and   not    exceeding    five 
stories   in  height   sha-11   be  of  slow-burning,   mill   or   fireproof   construction.     Such 
buildings  over  five  stories  in  height  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction. 

480.  Stores  Used  for  Retail  Sale  of  Goods  or  Manufacturing  Purposes — Occu- 
pation  of   Basement— Lockers.)      (a)      Not   more    than    the    lower   twelve    stories 
above  the  street  grade  shall  be  used  for  the  retail  sale  of  goods,  or  for  locker  pro- 
visions in  excess  of  accommodations  for  the  number  of  employes  on  the   floor  on 
which   they  are   employed,  or   for   manufacturing  purposes   in   a   building  devoted 
wholly  or  in  part  to  purposes  of  Class  VII  except  as  hereinafter  provided;  provided, 
however,  the  stories  above  the  twelfth  story  may  be  used  for  these  or  other  pur- 
poses when  equipped  with  an  approved  automatic'  sprinkler  system  approved  by  the 
Fire  Marshal;  and  further  provided,  that  all  such  buildings  hereafter  erected  to  be 
used  for  these  purposes,  or  so  used,  above  the  twelfth  story  shall  in  addition  to  being 
equipped  with  an  approved  automatic  sprinkling  system  have  enclosed  stairways. 

fb)  Not  more  than  one  floor  of  any  basement  or  cellar  shall  be  used  for  the 
retail  sale  of  goods.  Such  floor  shall  be  the  floor  nearest  to  the  inside  street  grade. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  87 

Such  floor  used  for  the  retail   sale  of   goods  shall  not  be  more   than  twenty  feet 
below  the  inside  street  grade. 

(c)  No  sub-basement,  cellar  or  part  of  a  basement  below  such  floor  shall  be 
used  for  the  sale  of  any  goods  in  any  manner,  but  locker  and  dressing  rooms  may 
be  placed  in  the  sub-basement,  provided  the  space  thus  occupied  be  separated  from 
the  remainder  of  the  basement  by  fireproof  partitions,  and  that  there  be  at  least 
two  flights  of  stairs  placed  as  far  apart  as  practicable  leading  therefrom  to  the 
first  floor,  inclosed  in  fireproof  partitions.     Such  stairs  from  such  locker  or  dress- 
ing rooms  shall  be  in  addition  to  other  stairways  required  by  this  Chapter  for  such 
buildings,    and   at  least  one   of   such    stairways   shall   open   directly   on   a    street, 
alley  or   court  opening  on   a    street   or   alley,   or   on   a  fireproof   passage   leading 
to  the  street,  alley  or  such  court.    Where  more  than  five  lockers  are  in  one  room, 
such  lockers  shall  be  of  incombustible  material. 

(d)  Where  stories  above  the  twelfth  story  are  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
VII  as  hereinbefore  described  for  locker  provisions  in  excess  of  accommodations  for 
employes  on  the  floor  on  which  they  are  employed,  then  the  stairways  from  the  first 
to  the  topmost  floor  shall  be  built  and  inclosed  as  described  in   Section  668,  but 
the  stairways  shall  be  in  number  and  aggregate  width  as  required  in  the  table  for 
stairways  set  forth  in  Section  666  of  this  Chapter. 

481.  Floor   Areas — Maximum.)      (a)      The   floor   area,   except   as   hereinafter 
provided,  of  any  one  story  or  portion  of  a  story  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VII 
of  any   building  of  ordinary  construction,  shall   not  .exceed   nine   thousand   square 
feet. 

(b)  The  floor  area,  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  of  any  one  story  or  portion 
of  a  story  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VII  of  any  building  of  slow-burning  or  mill 
construction  shall  not  exceed  twelve  thousand  square  feet. 

(c)  The  floor  area,  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  of  any  one  story  or  portion 
of  a  story  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VII  of  any  building  of  fireproof  construc- 
tion shall  not  exceed  25,000  square  feet,  unless  the  building  is  completely  equipped 
with  an  approved  automatic  sprinkler  system,  but  in  no  case  shall  such  area  exceed 
30,000  square  feet. 

482.  Floor  Areas — Exceeding  the  Maximum   Limits  Defined  in  Section  481.) 
(a)     Where  any  floor  or  portion  of  a  floor  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VII  in  any 
building  shall  exceed  in  area  the  maximum  number  of  square  feet  allowed  in  the 
preceding  section  for  the  type  of  construction  of  such  building  in  which  such  floor 
is  contained,  each  such  maximum  amount  of  floor  area  so  used  shall  be  separated 
from  other  parts  of  such  floor  by  fire  walls,  or  dividing  walls  built  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  of  Section  250  of  this   Chapter   relating  to  dividing  walls  in 
buildings  of  Class  I. 

(b)  Where  any  such  floor  so  used  is  divided  by  such  fire  walls  or  dividing  walls, 
each  such  division  of  such  floor  shall  be  provided  with  stairs,  aisles,  exits,  and  fire 
escapes  as  required  in  this  Chapter  for  separate  and  distinct  buildings,  and  each 
such  division  shall  be  considered  as  a  separate  building,  except  as  provided  in  Sec- 
tion 508  of  this  Chapter. 

483.  Galleries.)      (a)     The  area  of  any  or  all  of  the  galleries,  mezzanine  or 
intermediate  floors  in  any  one  story  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
VII  in  any  building  shall  not  exceed  ten  per  centum  of  the   area  of  such  story. 
Galleries,  mezzanine  or   intermediate  floors  of  a  larger  size  than  the  above  shall 
be  considered  as  full  stories. 


88  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

(b)  Every  gallery,  mezzanine  or   intermediate  floor  shall   have  at  least   one 
stairway  not  less  than  three  feet  wide. 

(c)  The  height  from  the  floor  of  any  gallery,  mezzanine  or  intermediate  floor 
to  the  ceiling  over  same  shall  not  be  less  than  seven  feet,  and  there  shall  be  not  less 
than  seven  feet  of  space  between  the  bottom  of  such  gallery,  mezzanine  or  inter- 
mediate floor  and  the  floor  of  the  story  in  which  such  gallery,  mezzanine  or  inter- 
mediate floor  is  placed. 

(d)  Every  gallery,  mezzanine  or  intermediate  floor  in  any  building  used  for  the 
purposes  of  Class  VII  shall  be  built  to  conform  to  the  construction  applicable  fo 
such  building,  but  galleries  not  exceeding  five  per  centum  of  the  area  of  such  story, 
may  be  built  of  incombustible  material  without  fireproof  protection. 

(e)  No  gallery,  mezzanine  or  intermediate  floor  shall  be  built  without  a  permit 
from  the  Department  of  Buildings,  and  plans   showing  the  construction  and  size 
of  such   proposed  gallery;,  mezzanine  or  intermediate  floor   shall  be  filed  with  the 
Department  of  Buildings  when  a  permit  is  applied  for. 

484.  Courts  of  Class  VII  Buildings.)      (a)     Every   court  or  light   shaft  of 
every  building  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VII  shall  be  open 
and    unobstructed   from    the  bottom   of    such    court    to    the    sky,    with   the   excep- 
tion   that   fire    escapes  may   be   built   therein,    and   such    courts   shall   have    walls 
constructed   in    the    same    manner   as   is    required   for   the    exterior   walls   of   such 
buildings;  provided,  that  no  walls  inclosing  such  courts  are  required  on  street  or 
alley  lot  lines. 

(b)  All  windows,  doors  OT  other  openings  in  court  walls  of  such  buildings  shall 
have  metal  frames,  metal  sashes  and  metal  doors,  with  the  glazed  portions  thereon 
of  wired  glass. 

485.  Stories— Numbering  of.)     The  first  story  above  the  inside  street  grade 
shall  be  designated  and  known  as  the  first  story  for  all  purposes  of  this  Chapter, 
and  the  stories  above  shall  be  numbered  consecutively,  the  second,  third,  and  so  on. 

486.  Stairs — Halls — Passageways   and    Aisles — Signs   and   Lights.)     (a)     The 
stair  halls,  passageways  and  stair  aisles  shall  be  unobstructed  and  be  as  wide  as  the 
stair  and  not  less  than  four  feet  wide  in  the  clear. 

(b)  The  exit  door  or  doors  between  floors  and  stair  halls  shall  be  not  less  than 
ninety  per  centum  of  the  width  of  the  stairway  to  which  they  afford  access,  and  for 
each  elevator  opening  into  such  a  stair  hall,  the  doors  to  floors  shall  be  increased  six 
inches  in  width. 

(c)  The  stairways  and  stair  halls  of  any  building  used  wholly  or  in  part  for 
the  purpose  of  Class  VII  shall  be  illuminated  by  gas  or  electric  light,  and  the  gas 
piping  and  the  electric  wiring  shall  be  accomplished  by  piping  and  circuits  separated 
and  distinct   from   the  general   illuminating  piping   and  circuits  of  the  premises. 
Each  stair  light  shall  have  a  red  glass  inclosure. 

(d)  At  the  bottom  of  each  such  stairway  there  shall  be  an  illuminated  red 
glass  sign  with  the  number  of  the  story  in  which  it  is  situated  inscribed  thereon  in 
letters  not  less  than  six  inches  high. 

487.  Aisles  in  Class  VII  Buildings.)      (a)      In  buildings  used  wholly  or  in 
part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VII  there  shall  be  aisles  in  such  portions  of  the  build- 
ings as  are  used  for  such  purposes,  connecting  the  stairways  and  the  elevators  di- 
rectly with  the  street  or  alley  doors,  and  such  aisles  shall  be  termed  "main  aisles." 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  89 

Such  main  aisles  shall  have  a  clear  width  equal  to  the  width  of  the  stairways  con- 
necting therewith,  and  for  each  elevator  connecting  with  such  an  aisle  there  shall  be 
r     an  additional  width  of  six  inches,  and  no  such  main  aisle  shall  be  less  than  five  feet 
j     wide   in  the  clear  between  the  counters   in  any  department  store  or   between  the 
fixed  seats  therein.     One-third  the  width  of  any  basement  stairway  shall  be  added 
to  the  width  of  the  main  aisle  connecting  with  such  stairway. 

(b)  If  there  is  a  column  in  any  such  aisle,  then  the  width  of  the  aisle  shall  be 
increased  by  the  width  of  such  column. 

(c)  If  there  is  a  counter,  or  counters,  or  settee,  or  any  case,  or  other  obstruc- 
tion in  an  aisle,  then  that  part  of  the  aisle  on  each  side  of  such  counter,  bench,  or 
case,  or  other  obstruction  shall  be  considered  as  a  separate  aisle.    No  aisle  shall  be  less 
than  three  feet  in  width. 

488.  Exit  Signs  and  Lights.)  (a)  All  exits  in  buildings  used  wholly  or  in 
part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VII  shall  be  clearly  indicated  by  illuminated  red  signs 
with  the  word  "Exit"  thereon  in  letters  not  less  than  six  inches  high.  At  the 
bottom  of  each  stairway  on  the  street  floor  level  there  shall  be  similar  signs 
indicating  the  direction  of  the  nearest  exit  to  a  street  or  alley. 

(b)  Fire  escape  doors  or  windows  shall  be  indicated  by  illuminated  red  signs 
with  the  words  "Fire  Escape."  thereon  in  letters  not  less  than  six  inches  high. 

*489.  Doors  at  Street  Level — Revolving  Doors.)  The  clear  width  of  the  exit 
openings  shall  be  computed  in  the  same  manner  as  that  provided  in  this  article 
for  main  aisles,  and  no  door  openings  shall  be  less  than  five  feet  wide,  and  all 
doors  shall  swing  outward.  Revolving  doors  shall  not  be  considered  as  complying 
with  this  section  unless  the  revolving  wings  of  such  revolving  doors  are  so  ar- 
ranged that  by  the  application  of  a  force  slightly  more  than  is  necessary  to  re- 
volve said  doors  and  which  one  person  of  ordinary  strength  is  capable  of  exerting, 
all  the  wings  of  said  doors  fold  flat  on  each  other  and  in  an  outward  direction,  or 
unless  the  revolving  wings  of  said  revolving  doors  are  so  arranged  that  they  may 
be  readily  collapsed  or  removed  by  pressure  or  simple  mechanical  means,  to  be 
approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and  leave  sufficient  opening  for  two 
or  more  persons  to  pass  through  with  a  minimum  width  of  not  less  than  twenty- 
two  inches  on  each  side  of  said  collapsed  doors. 

Where  revolving  doors  are  used  as  exits  they  shall  be  credited  as  exits  only 
to  the  extent  of  the  clear  space  remaining  when  the  doors  are  collapsed,  and  all 
deficiency  of  required  exits  must  be  made  up  by  additional  doors. 

490.  Doors  in  Dividing  Walls.)  (a)  Door  openings  may  be  built  in  dividing 
walls  of  such  buildings;  provided,  however,  that  such  door  openings  shall  be  not  less 
than  five  feet  in  width  and  shall  be  provided  with  fire-proof  doors  built  as 
described  in  Section  573  of  this  Chapter,  and  that  each  door  shall  have  an  efficient 
closing  device  which  will  operate  automatically  in  the  event  of  a  fire  in  close 
proximity  to  either  side  of  such  door. 

(b)  Each  such  opening  shall  have  exit  signs  and  lights  as  provided  for  street 
doors  and  exits  in  Section  488  of  this  Chapter.  There  shall  be  aisles  not  less  than 
five  feet  in  width  connecting  with  such  doors  from  the  main  aisles,  and  in  no  case 
shall  any  such  door  be  less  than  ninety  per  centum  of  the  width  of  the  aisle  directly 
connecting  therewith. 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3995,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 


90  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

491.  Loads — Allowance  for  Live  Loads  in  Construction  of  Floors  of  Buildings 
of  Class  VII.)     For  all  buildings  of  Class  VII  the  floor  shall  be  designed  and  con- 
structed in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  capable  of  supporting,  in  addition  to  the  weight 
of  the  floor   construction,   partitions,    permanent    fixtures    and    mechanisms    that 
may  be  set  upon  the  same,  a  live  load  of  one  hundred  pounds  for  every  square  foot 
of  surface  in  such  floors,  and  shall  be  figured  in  accordance  with  Section   516  of 
this  Chapter. 

ARTICLE    XL 

CLASS    VIII. 

492.  Class  VIII  Defined — Provisions  of.)     In  Class  VIII  shall  be  included  even 
building  used  for  school  purposes  and  having  a  seating  capacity  of  more  than  one 
hundred  students. 

492 1/2 .  Must  Comply  With  General  and  Special  Provisions.)  All  buildings  of 
Class  VIII  shall  comply  with  the  general  provisions  of  this  Chapter  wherever  the 
same  are  applicable  thereto,  and  in  addition  to  the  general  provisions  shall  comply 
with  the  following  special  provisions: 

493.  Construction  of.)  (a)  All  buildings  hereafter  erected  and  used  or  intended 
to  be  used  wholly  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VIII  shall  be  constructed  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter  relating  to  Class  VIII;  and  existing  school  build- 
ings shall  comply  with  the  provisions  of  Class  VIII  with  reference  to  stairs,  exit 
and  fire  escapes. 

(b)  Buildings  which  have  a  seating  capacity  of  two  hundred  or  less  and  whicl 
are  not  over  two  stories   and  basement  in  height,  may  be  built  of  ordinary  con 
struction;   provided,  that  no  portion  of  such  building  shall  be  used  for  assembly 
hall  purposes. 

(c)  Buildings  which  have  a  greater  seating  capacity  than  two  hundred  anc 
not  exceeding  four  hundred,  and  which  are  not  over  three  stories  and  basement  in 
height,  shall  be  built  of  slow-burning  or  fireproof  construction. 

(d)  'Buildings  which  have  a  greater  seating  capacity  than  four  hundred,  or 
which  are  more  than  three  stories  and  basement  in  height,  shall  be  built  entirely 
of  fireproof  construction. 

(e)  Additions  to  existing  buildings  shall  be  built  of  the  several  types  of  con- 
struction required  by  this  section;    provided,   however,  that  the   sum  total  of  the 
seating  capacity  of  the  entire  building,  including  additions,  shall  be  counted  in  deter- 
mining the  type  of  construction  required  for  such  addition. 

(f)  All  alterations  in  existing  buildings  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VIII, 
other  than  new  additions  thereto,  and  intended  to  make  them  comply  with  the  re- 
quirements of  this  Chapter,  may  be  executed  in  the  same  kinds  of  materials  originally 
used  in  such  buildings,  unless  otherwise  distinctly  provided  herein. 

494.  Walls — Window  Openings  in.)    No  wall  of  any  building  used  for  the  pur- 
poses of  Class  V~III  and  containing  a  window  opening  shall  be  nearer  than  five  feet  to 
any  lot  line  of  adjoining  property,  street  and  alley  lines  not  included. 

495.  Portable  Frame  Buildings.)     Portable  frame  buildings  used  wholly  for 
the  purposes  of  Class  VIII,  not  larger  than  28  by  36  feet  and  not  over  one  story 
high,  may  be  erected,  provided  exterior  walls  and  r.oof  of  same  are  covered  with 
metal  or  other  incombustible  material,  and  the  interior  woodwork  painted  with  fire- 
retarding  paint  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and,  provided,  further 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  91 

hat  the  location  of  such  buildings  shall  be  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings.  Such  portable  buildings  shall  not  be  located  nearer  than  ten  feet  to  any 

ther  building,  and  shall  not  be  maintained  on  any  one  lot  or  block  for  a  longer 
period  than  two  years  after  the  date  of  the  issuance  of  the  original  permit. 

496.  Assembly  Halls — Limitations  as  to  Seating  Capacity  and  Floor  Level.) 
a)  The  limit  of  height  at  floor  level  and  the  maximum  seating  capacity  of  assembly 
lalls  or  auditoriums  or  other  single  rooms  in  buildings  of  this  Class  must  not  exceed 
he  numbers  given  in  the  following  table,  for  the  specified  type  of  construction,  to-wit: 

Type   of   Construction 

Slow-burning 

Floor —  or  Mill  Construc- 

Height  of  Fireproof        tion   Having  Fireproof          Ordinary 

Above  Grade.  Construction.        Stairs  and  Corridors.        Construction. 

Over   60  ft 500  Persons  100  Persons  

60  ft.  or  less 600  Persons  300  Persons  

45  ft.  or  less 700  Persons  500  Persons  

30  ft.  or  less 1000  Persons  800  Persons  250  Persons 

20  ft.  or  less 1500  Persons  900  Persons  500  Persons 

10  ft.  or  less 2000  Persons  1000  Persons  800  Persons 

5  ft.  or  less 2500  Persons  1200  Persons  1000  Persons 

(b)  All  assembly  halls  or  other  single  rooms  having  a  seating  capacity  larger 
han  that  given  in  the  above  table  must  have  the  highest  part  of  the  main  floor 
vithin  not  more  than  one  foot  of  grade  level  and  must  have  exits  leading  directly 
to  three  streets,  public  alleys,  or  to  open  public  grounds. 

(c)  Seating  capacity  of  all  assembly  halls  in  buildings  of  this  Class  shall  in- 
clude the  total   aggregate   seating  capacity  of  all  balconies,  galleries,  stages  and 
platforms  as  well  as  the  main  portion  of  such  assembly  hall  or  rooms. 

(d)  Heighls  of  assembly  hall  floors  shall  be  measured  from  sidewalk  level  at 
entrance  of  building  or  open  school  grounds  to  highest  part  of  main  floor  of  such 
assembly  hall  or  rooms. 

497.  Stairways — Width  of.)     (a)     Stairways  in  buildings  used  for  the  purposes 
of  Class  VIII  shall  be  equivalent  in  width  to  fifteen  inches  for  every  hundred  of 
seating  capacity  in  such  building  as  measured  by  the  aggregate  seating  capacity  of 
the   auditorium,   assembly  rooms   and    school    rooms;    provided,   however,   that  the 
number   of  persons   allowed  in   such  buildings   at   any  one   time   shall  be   limited 
by  the  width  of  stairways  available  as  exits  therefrom. 

(b)  No  stairway  shall  be  less  than  four  feet  in  width  in  the  clear,  except  where 
more  than  two  stairways  lead  down  from  any  floor,  in  which  case  stairways  three 
feet  in  width  in  the  clear  may  be  counted  in  the  total  width  of  stairs  required. 

(c)  Where  two  or  more  stairways  are  used,  they  shall  be  placed  at  opposite 
ends  of  the  building  or  as  far  apart  as  practicable,  and  all  such  buildings  hereafter 
erected  shall  have  at  least  two  separate  and   distinct  stairways  from  the  ground 
floor  to  the  top  floor,  and  all  existing  buildings  shall  have  two  such  separate  and 
distinct  stairways,  or  one  stairway  and  one  sliding  or  stairway  fire  escape. 

(d)  All  stairways  shall  have  railings  on  each  side  thereof.    No  stairway  shall 
ascend  a  greater  height  than  thirteen  feet  six  inches  without  a  level  landing,  the 
dimensions  of  which,  in  the  direction  of  the  run  of  the  stairs,  shall  be  not  less  than 
four  feet,  or  which,  if  at  a  turn  of  the  stairs,  shall  be  of  not  less  width  than  the 


92  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

width  of  the  stairs.  No  winder  shall  be  permitted  in  any  stairs.  Stairways  which 
are  over  nine  feet  wide  shall  have  double  intermediate  handrails  with  end  newel 
posts  at  least  five  and  one-half  feet  high.  All  stairways  shall  discharge  at  the 
bottom  directly  to  a  public  thoroughfare  or  open  ground. 

498.  Stairways   in    Buildings    Hereafter    Erected— Fireproof.)      In    buildings 
hereafter  erected  more  than  two  stories  and  basement  in  height,  the  stairways  and 
their  enclosing  walls  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction. 

499.  Width  of  Corridors,  Passageways,  Hallways  and  Doorways.)     The  width 
of   corridors,   passageways,   hallways   and  doorways   shall   be   equivalent   in   width 
to  eighteen  inches  for  every  one  hundred  of -seating  capacity  of  such  portions  oJ 
building  as  will  be  required  to  use  same  for  exit.     No  corridor,  passageway  or  hall- 
way shall  be  less  than  five  feet  in  width,  and  no  doorway  less  than  three  feet  in 
width,  except  where  two  or  more  doors,  each  two  feet  eight  inches  or  more  in  width 
are  grouped  together. 

500.  Doors  to  Open  Outward — Covering  of.)     All  doors  in  such  buildings  shal 
open  outward,  and  all  entrance  and  exit  doors  shall  be  unlocked  at  all  times  when 
the  building  is  occupied  for  school  purposes,  or  open  to  the  public.     All  exit  doors 
from  assembly  halls  to  other  parts  of  the  building  shall  be  covered  with  metal  01 
other  fireproof  material  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

501.  Aisles — Width  of — In  Assembly  Halls  and  Recitation  and  Study  Rooms 
Must    be   Kept    Clear    of    Obstructions.)     (a)     Aisles    in    Assembly    halls    in    such 
buildings  shall  be  equivalent  in  width  to  eighteen  inches  for  every  one  hundred  o: 
seating  capacity  in  such  assembly  hall,  but  no  such  aisle  shall  be  less  than  two 
feet  six  inches  wide  in  its  narrowest  part.     All  groups  of  seats  shall  be  so  arrangec 
that  they  shall  have  an  aisle  on  each  side,  and  not  more  than  twelve  seats  in  anj 
one  row  shall  be  placed  between  aisles. 

(b)  Aisles  in  class  rooms,  recitation  rooms  and  study  rooms  of  such  buildings 
shall  be  equivalent  in  width  to  eighteen  inches  for  every  one  hundred  permanem 
seats  in  any  such  room,  but  no  aisle  shall  be  less  than  sixteen  inches  in  width  and 
no  main  or  cross  aisle  be  less  than  two  feet  six  inches  in  width. 

(c)  All   aisles   and   passageways   in   such  buildings   shall  be   kept   free   from 
campstools,  chairs,   sofas  and  other  obstructions,   and  no  person  shall  be   allowed 
to  stand  in  or  occupy  any  such  aisle  or  passageway  during  any  performance,  service 
exhibition,   lecture,  concert  or   any  public   assemblage. 

502.  Emergency    Exits    for    Assembly    Rooms— Aggregate    Width    of.)      Al 
assembly  halls  of  such  buildings  having  a  seating  capacity  of  eight  hundred  or  more 
shall  be  provided  with  at  least  two  emergency  exits.     The  aggregate  width  of  sucl 
emergency  exits,  which  shall  be  provided  for  each  floor,  balcony  or  gallery  of  such 
assembly  hall,  shall  be  not  less  than  nine  inches  in  width  for  every  one  hundred  oi 
seating  capacity  or  portion  thereof.     No  emergency  exit  or  stairway  shall  be  less 
than  three  feet  in  width.     Emergency  exits  must  be  located  as  far  apart  and  as  fai 
from  main   exits   as  practicable,  subject   to  the   approval   of  the  Commissioner   of 
Buildings. 

503.  Exits — Signs.)     All  exits  opening  from  assembly  halls  of  such  buildings 
shall  have  the   word  "EXIT",   in   letters   at  least  six  inches  high,  applied   to  the 
auditorium  side  of  every  such  exit,  and  when  such  assembly  hall  is  in  use  at  night, 
a  red  light  shall  be  kept  burning  over  the  word  "EXIT"  during  the  entire  time  and 
until  the  pupils  and  audience  have  left  the  building. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  93 

504.  Lights  in  Buildings — Windows — Skylights.)  (a)  Every  portion  of  any  such 
building  devoted  to  the  uses  or  accommodation  of  the  public  and  all  outlets  there- 
from  leading  to   the  streets,    including   the  open   courts   and   corridors,  stairways, 
and  exits,  shall  be  well  and  properly  lighted  during  the  entire  time  such  portion 
is  in  use,  and  shall  remain  lighted  until  all  the  pupils  and  the  audience  have  left  the 
premises. 

(b)  All  gas  or  electric  lights  in  the  class  rooms  of  main  building  and  in  Kails, 
corridors,  lobbies,  stairs  and  exits  leading  from  the  assembly  halls  shall  be  inde- 
pendent of  lights  in  assembly  hall.     By  "independent"  shall  be  construed  a  separate 
pipe  from  meter  or  separate  circuits  from  switchboard. 

(c)  The  total  glass  area  of  outside  windows  and  skylights  of  each  class  room, 
recitation  room  or  study  room  in  such  buildings  shall  be  not  less  than  one-fifth 
of  the  floor  area  of  such  room. 

(d)  Class  rooms,  recitation  rooms  and  study  rooms  that  have  exterior  windows 
on  one  side  only  must  have  the  top  of  glass  in  such  windows  at  a  height  above 
the  floor  of  such  room  of  not  less  than  one-half  of  the  distance  to  the  opposite 
parallel  wall  or  partition. 

(e)  Such  rooms  having  exterior  windows  on  two  opposite  sides  of  the  room 
shall  have  the  top  of  glass  in  such  windows  not  less  than  one-fourth  the  distance 
between  walls  in  which  the  windows  are  placed.     The  height  of  windows  in  corner 
rooms  having  windows  in  adjacent  walls  shall  be  computed  from  nearest  wall  or 
partition  to  opposite  window. 

(f)  Where  skylights  or  skylights  and  windows  of  sufficient  size  to  give  the 
proper  glass  area  are  used  these  heights  of  windows  shall  not  be  required. 

505.  Scene-ry— Sliding  Curtains— Screens— Fireproofing  Same— Hand  Pumps- 
Fire  Extinguishers.)     No  curtains  or  scenery  shall  be  used  in  any  assembly  hall, 
excepting  only,  that  it  shall  be  permissible  to  use  a  pair  of  sliding  curtains  hung 
on  horizontal  metal  rods  not  over  twelve  feet  above  the  floor  of  stage  and  portable 
screens  se't  on  the  floor  and  not  over  eight  feet  high.     Screens  used  exclusively  for 
stereopticon  purposes  shall  not  be  construed  as   curtain  or  scenery.     All  screens, 
curtains,  draperies  and  scenery  so  used  shall  be  treated  with  a  fire-retarding  solution, 
and  at  least  one  hand  pump  or  chemical  fire  extinguisher  shall  be  provided  and 
kept  in  such  assembly  hall.    The  use  of  gas  calcium  lights  is  prohibited. 

506.  Basement  When  Used  for  Class  Rooms.)  (a)  In  every  such  building  in  w>ich 
the  lower  or  basement  floor  is  below  the  surface  of  the  ground  surrounding  such 
building,  and  is  used  in  part  or  as  a  whole  for  heating  or  ventilating  apparatus,  such 
floor  shall  be  considered  the  basement  story  of  such  building. 

(b)  Class  rooniSj  recitation  rooms  or  study  rooms  shall  not  be  allowed  in  base- 
ments less  than  twelve  feet  in  height  in  the  clear  nor  where  the  floor  is  more  than 
two  feet  below  the  level  of  the  sidewalk  at  nearest  entrance  of  building  nor  in 
basements  which  are  not  properly  lighted  by  windows  or  skylights  as  defined  else- 
where in  this  Chapter  for  such  rooms. 

507.  Stories — Height  of.)     No   story  above  the  basement  shall  be  less  than 
twelve  feet  in  height  in  the  clear. 

*508.    Fire  Escapes.)     (a)     Every  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VIII 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3989,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 


94  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

of  four  or  more  stories   in   height  shall  be  provided  and  equipped  with  stairway 
lire  escapes  or  sliding  fire  escapes  as  herein  provided: 

(b)  All  such  buildings  having  a  seating  capacity  of  less  than  two  hundred  on 
any  one  floor  above  the  second  floor  shall  have  at  least  one  such  fire  escape. 

(c)  All  such  buildings  having  a  seating  capacity  of  over  two  hundred  but  less 
than  four  hundred  in  any  one  story  above  the  second  floor  shall  have  at  least  two 
such  fire  escapes. 

(d)  All  such  buildings  having  a  seating  capacity  of  more  than  four  hundred  but 
less  than  six  hundred  on  any  floor  above  the  second  floor  shall  have  at  least  three 
such  fire  escapes. 

(e)  At  least  one  additional  stairway  or  sliding  fire  escape  shall  be  provided  for 
every  increase  of  two  hundred  seating  capacity  in  any  one  story  above  the  second 
floor. 

(f)  Stairway  fire  escapes  shall  be  built  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of 
Sections  669,  670  and  673,  and  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings. 

(g)  Sliding  fire  escapes  shall  be  securely  anchored  or  fastened  to  the  building  and 
shall  have   a  radius  or   width   of   not   less   than   thirty- six  inches,   and   the   inner 
side  of  the  same  shall  be  entirely  smooth  and  made  of  metal.     There  shall  be  an 
entrance  to  each  sliding  fire  escape  from  each  floor  above  the  first  story.    They  shall 
be   of  a  pitch   of   not   less  than  thirty   degrees   nor  more   than   forty-five  degrees 
for  straight  runs.    They  shall  be  so  constructed  that  they  will  discharge  people  not 
more  than  twenty- four  inches  from  the  adjacent  ground  or  floor.  They  shall  be  of  such 
pattern  and  design  as  will  best  secure  the   safety  of  the   public,  and  their   con- 
struction, location  and  maintenance  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings.     Spiral  sliding  fire  escapes  shall  have  two  complete  turns 
for  each  story  height  of  more  than  thirteen  or  less  than  sixteen  feet. 

(h)  All  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter  relating  to  outside  sliding  or  stair  fire- 
escapes  shall  apply  to  buildings  of  Class  VIII,  unless  such  buildings  are  fireproof,  in 
which  case  interior  fire  escapes  from  ground  to  roof  may  be  substituted  for  exterior 
fire  escapes,  provided  such  interior  fire  escapes  shall  comply  with  each  and  all  of  the 
following  conditions : 

(i)  Interior  fire  escapes  in  fireproof  buildings  shall  be  enclosed  in  brick  or  con- 
crete walls  on  all  sides  from  top  to  bottom,  and  shall  be  enclosed  at  the  top  with  a 
fireproof  penthouse.  The  treads  and  risers  of  such  interior  fire  escapes  shall  be  the 
same  as  those  used  for  stairs  elsewhere  in  the  building  and  the  width  of  such 
fire  escapes  shall  not  be  less  than  forty  inches  in  their  narrowest  part  between 
hand  rails. 

(j)  The  landings  of  such  fire  escapes  shall,  exclusive  of  and  in  addition  to 
the  space  covered  or  occupied  by  swinging  doors,  be  at  least  equal  to  the  stairs 
in  width.  All  doors  leading  to  such  fire  escapes  shall  be  incombustible  doors 
and  the  glass  portion  thereof  shall  be  glazed  with  polished  wired  glass  not  less  than 
one- quarter  of  an  inch  thick,  which  shall  be  large  enough  to  /enable  persons  to 
see  other  persons  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  door.  The  combined  width  of  said 
doors  on  each  landing  shall  exceed  the  stair  width  twenty-five  per  cent.,  but 
no  single  door  shall  be  more  than  three  feet  wide.  They  shall  be  hinged  and 
equipped  with  automatic  opening  and  closing  devices  and  shall  open  outward. 
Windows  lighting  such  fire  escapes  shall  have  metal  frames  and  sash  and  wired  glass. 

(k)      The  number  and  capacity  of  such  interior  fire  escapes  shall  in  no  case 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  95 

be  less  than  is  elsewhere  in  this  Chapter  required  for  outside  fire  escapes,  and 
the  locations  of  the  same  shall  be  as  far  apart  as  practicable  and  so  placed  as 
to  Best  secure  the  safety  of  the  persons  using  the  same  in  case  of  fire,  accident 
or  panic. 

(1)  Such  interior  fire  escapes  which  comply  with  all  the  conditions  above  numer- 
ated may  be  used  daily  as  ordinary  stairs. 

509.  Inspection— Duties  of  Engineer— President  of  Board  to  Report  to  Fire 
Marshal.)    (a)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  engineer  of  every  building  used  for  the 
purposes  of  Class  VIII  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Education  of  this  city, 
where  an  engineer  is  employed,  or  in  case  no  engineer  is  employed  at  such  building, 
it  shall  then  be  the  duty  of  the  janitor  of  such  building  to  examine  all  fire  escapes  on 
such  buildings  from  the  topmost  story  to  the  ground  and  to  examine  and  operate 
all  doors,  windows  and  platforms  leading  to   and  from  such  fire   escapes  at  least 
once  each  and  every  week  that  such  building  is  used  for  school  purposes,  and  to 
make    a    written    report    of   such   examination   to   the    President   of   the    Board   of 
Education,  showing  the  time  it  was  made  and  the  condition  of  the  fire  escapes. 

(b)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Education  to  make  a 
written  report  to  the  Fire  Marshal  at  least  three  times  a  year,  showing  all  such 
examinations  made  and  the  condition  in  which  all  fire  escapes  were  found  at  the 
time  of  inspection;  also  the  condition  of  the  doors,  windows  and  platforms  leading 
to  and  from  such  fire  escapes. 

(c)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  person  in  charge  of  each  building  used  for  the 
purposes  of  Class  VIII,  other  than  school  buildings  under  the  control  of  the  Board 
of  Education  of  this  city,  to  make  an  examination  of   the  fire  escapes  on   school 
buildings    under    their    charge,    from    the    topmost    story    to    the    ground,    and    to 
examine  and  operate  all  doors,  windows,  and  platforms  leading  to  or  from  such 
fire   escapes   at   least   once   each   and   every   week   that   such   building   is   used   for 
school  purposes,  and  to  make  a  written  report  to  the  Fire  Marshal  at  least  three 
times  each  year,  showing  all  such  inspections   made   and  the  condition   in  which 
fire   escapes,   doors,   windows   and   platforms   were    found   at   the    time   of   the   in- 
spection. 

(d)  Such  fire  escapes  shall  be  kept  in  good  condition,  ready  for  immediate  use 
at  any  and  all  times  that   such  building  is  in  use  and  shall  be  kept   free   from 
snow  and  ice. 

(e)  The  duties  herein  imposed  by  this  section  shall  not  be  held  to  relieve  the 
Fira  Marshal  or   Commissioner  of  Buildings   from   performing   such   duties  as  are 
otherwise  required  of  them  by  this  Chapter. 

510.  Fire  Drill — Written  Report  to  Fire  Marshal.)    (a)   The  principal  or  other 
person  in  charge  of  the  pupils  of  every  building  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VIII 
shall  establish  and.  maintain  a  good  and  efficient  fire  drill,  which  shall  be  practiced 
at  least  twice  every  month  during  the  time  such  building  is  used  for  school  purposes. 

(b)  A  written  report  shall  be  made  by  the  principal  or  other  person  in  charge 
of  the  pupils  in  all  school  buildings  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Education 
of  this  city  to  the  President  of  said  Board  of  Education  of  each  fire  drill  held  and 
of  the  time  that  elapsed  from  the  first  fire  signal  until  the  last  person  was  out 
of  the  building. 

(c)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Education  to  make  a 
written  report  to  the  Fire  Marshal  at  least  three  times  each  year,  which  report 


96 


CITY   OF    CHICAGO 


shall  contain  a  record  of  all  such  fire  drills  practiced  in  each  of  the  school  build- 
ing? under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  city. 

(d)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  principal  or  other  person  in  charge  of  school- 
buildings,  other  than  those  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Education,  to  make 
a  written  report  to  the  Fire  Marshal   at  least  three  times  ea.«h  year,  showing  a 
record  of  each  fire  drill  held  and  the  time  that  elapsed  from  the  first  fire  signal 
untU  the  last  person  was  out  of  the  building. 

(e)  The  duties  herein  imposed  in  this  Section  shall  not  be  held  to  relieve  the 
Fire  Marshal  or  Commissioner  of  Buildings   from   performing   such   duties   as   are 
otherwise  required  of  them  by  this  Chapter. 

511.  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  the  Fire  Marshal,  City  Electrician  and 
Superintendent  of  Police  Shall  Close  Buildings  for  Violations.)  The  Commissioner  of 
Bu:ldings,  Fire  Marshal,  City  Electrician  and  Superintendent  of  Police,  or  any  of 
them,  shall  have  the  power  to  close  or  order  closed  any  building  used  wholly  or  in 
part  for  the  purposes  of  Class  VIII  wherein  there  is  any  violation  of  the  provisions 
of  this  ordinance,  and  to  keep  the  same  closed  until  such  provisions  are  complied 
with. 


ARTICLE   XII. 

GENERAL   PROVISIONS'. 

512.  Construction   or   Alteration   of   Building — Requirements.)      Every   build- 
ing or  structure  or  part  thereof,  hereafter  constructed,  erected,  altered,  enlarged, 
repaired  or  changed  within  the  City  shall  be  so  constructed,  erected,  altered,  en- 
larged, repaired  or  changed,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter. 

513.  Class  of  Buildings  Not  to  Be  Changed  Without  Conforming  to  Provisions 
of  This  Chapter.)     If  buildings,  the  uses  of  which  bring  them  within  any  of  the 
classes  mentioned  in  this  Chapter,  are  to  be  applied  to  the  uses  of  any  other  class 
for  which  a  better  system  of  construction  is  required  by  this  Chapter,  the   con- 
struction and  equipment  of  such  buildings  shall  first  be  made  to  conform  to  the  re- 
quirements of  this  Chapter  as  specified  for  their  intended  use.    And  it  shall  be  un- 
lawful to  use  any  such  building  for  a  new  or  different  purpose  from  that  to  which  its 
structure  and  equipment  adapts  it  under  this  Chapter,  unless  the  requirements  of 
this  Chapter  for  such  new  or  different  use  shall  first  have  been  complied  with,  and 
a  permit  for  such  alteration  or  use  shall  have  been  first  obtained  from  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings. 

514.  Alterations  of  Existing  Buildings.)  (a)  In  construing  the  several  sections  of 
this  Chapter,  said  sections  shall  not  be  construed  as  requiring  alterations  in  the 
construction  or  equipment  of  buildings  or  structures  in  existence  at  the  time  of  the 
passage  of  this  Chapter,  except  where  specifically  provided,  unless  such  buildings 
shall  not  have  sufficient  or  adequate  means  of  egress  therefrom  or  ingress  thereto, 
by  reason  of  insufficient  or  inadequate  stairways  or  stairways  improperly  located 
or  insufficient  or  inadequate  elevators   or  elevator  equipment,  doors,  fire   escapes, 
windows  or  other  means  of  egress  or  ingress  and  except  also  in  sections  which  are 
herein  made  retroactive. 

(b)  Whenever  an  Inspector  of  Buildings  shall  make  a  report  to  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  that  any  such  building  has  inadequate  or  insufficient  means  of 
egress  therefrom  or  ingress  thereto,  as  aforesaid,  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  97 

shall  notify  the  owner,  agent,  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  such 
building  of  such  fact  and  direct  him  forthwith  to  make  such  alterations  and  changes 
in  the  construction  or  equipment  of  such  building  as  are  necessary  to  be  made  in 
order  to  make  such  building  comply  with  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter. 

(c)  If,  however,  it  is  desired  to  enlarge,  or  in  any  manner  materially  modify 
the  construction  of  any  existing  building,  or  to  make  a  change  in  its  use  or  occu- 
pation which  will  transfer  it  from  one  class  as  recognized  by  this  Chapter  to  an- 
other class,  then,  before  such  enlargement  or  structural  change  or  modification  of 
building  is  made,  or  before  such  change  in  its  use  or  occupation  may  be  made, 
written  notice  shall  be  given  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  of  the  intention  to 
change  the  character  of  the  use,  and  the  entire  building  shall  be  reconstructed  or 
modified  in  such  manner  as  to  bring  the  same,  when  enlarged  or  altered,  or  when 
occupied  for  its  new  and  different  purposes,  into  compliance  with  the  provisions 
of  this  Chapter. 

*515.  Removal  of  Brick,  Stone,  Frame  or  Concrete  Buildings.)  It  shall  be 
unlawful  for  any  person,  firm,  or  corporation  to  move  any  brick,  stone,  frame  or 
concrete  building  from  one  location  to  another,  unless  the  same  shall  be  altered 
or  reconstructed  so  as  to  conform  to  the  ordinances  governing  the  construction  of 
such  building  at  the  time  of  moving  the  same  and  in  its  new  location;  provided, 
however,  that  whenever  a  tenement  house  is  moved,  the  same  shall  be  made  to 
comply  with  the  requirements  of  Section  475  and  Section  477  of  The  Chicago  Code 
of  1911  as  amended. 

516.  Live  and  Dead  Loads — Wind  Resistance.)  (a)  The  "dead  load"  shall  include 
all  permanent  portions  of  the  building,  also  partitions  and  permanent  fixtures  and 
mechanisms  supported  by  the  building. 

(b)  All  buildings  shall  be  designed  to  resist  a  horizontal  wind  pressure  of  20 
Ibs.  per  square  foot  for  every  square  foot  of  exposed  surface.     In  no  case  shall  the 
overturning  moment  due  to  wind  pressure  exceed  seventy-five  per  cent  of  the  mo- 
ment of  stability  of  the  building  due  to  the  dead  load  only. 

(c)  The  "live"  loads  per  square  foot  of  floor  areas,  except  stairs,  for  the  classes 
of  buildings  except  portions  of  Class  VIII  as  hereinafter  provided  shall  be  not  less 
than  the  following:  Pounds. 

Class  I 100 

Class  II 50 

Class  III 40 

Class  IV 100 

Class  V 100 

Class  VI 40 

Class  Vn 100 

Class  VIII 75 

(d)  Provided,  however,  that  in  Class  VIII  the  portions  of  the  building  exclu- 
sive of  the  floors  in  assembly  halls,  the  corridors  and  the  stairs,  shall  not  be  re- 
quired to  be  constructed  to  support  a  live  load  in  excess  of  40  pounds  per  square  foot. 

(e)  The  roofs  of  all  buildings  shall  be  designed  and  constructed  in  such  a  man- 
ner that  they  will  bear  a  load  in  addition  to  the  weight  of  their  structure  and  cov- 
ering, of  at  least  twenty-five  pounds  for  each  square  foot  of  horizontal  surface. 


*As   amended  July   8,    1912.     See   page    1047,  Journal   of   the   Proceedings   of 
the  City  Council. 


98  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

(f )  The  live  loads  on  stairways  for  buildings  of  all  classes  shall  not  be  less  than 
100  pounds  per  square  foot  of  treads  and  landings. 

*517.  Structural  Details — Strength  Tests — How  Made.)  (a)  All  structural  de- 
tails and  workmanship  shall  be  in  accordance  with  accepted  engineering  practice, 
and  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(b)  Floors,  joists  and  beams  shall  be  designed  for  the  full  dead  and  live  loads. 
Floor  girders  shall  be  designed  for  the  full  dead  and  not  less  than  eighty-five  per 
cent  of  the  live  load. 

(c)  In  buildings  of  Classes  III  and  VT,  except  frame  buildings,  where  the  dis- 
tance between  enclosing  walls  or  intermediate  walls  is  more  than  twenty- five  feet 
in  the  clear,  intermediate  supports  for  the  joists  shall  be  either  brick,  or  concrete, 
or  iron,  or  steel  columns,  beams,  trusses,  or  girders. 

(d)  If  brick  walls  are  used  for  this  purpose,  they  may,  in  all  cases  where  the 
thickness  of  walls  is  given,  in  Section  519,  as  16  inches  or  more,  be   made  four 
inches  less  in  thickness  than  the  dimensions  stated. 

(e)  Tests  shall  be  made  by  the  owner,  upon  the  demand  of  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings,  on  all   forms  of  floor  construction   involving  spans   over  eight   feet. 
Such  tests  shall  be  made  to  the   approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and 
must  show  that  the  construction  will  sustain  a  load  equal  to  twice  the  sum  of  the 
live  and  dead  loads,  for  which  it  was  designed,  without  any  indication  of  failure. 
The  construction  ma.y  be  considered  as  part  of  the  test  load.     Each  test  load  shall 
temain  in  place  at  least  twenty-four  hours.     On  arch  construction,  this  test  load 
shall  be  placed  on  one-half  of  the  arch,  covering  the  area  from  the  support  to  the 
<rown  of  the  arch. 

518.  Walls,  Piers  and  Columns — Dead  and  Live  Loads.)  (a)  The  full  live  load 
on  roofs  of  all  buildings  shall  be  taken  on  walls,  piers,  and  columns. 

(b)    The  walls,  piers  and  columns  of  all  buildings  shall  be  designed  to  carry  the 
full  dead  loads  and  not  less  than  the  proportion  of  the  live  load  given  in  the  fol- 
lowing table: 
Floor 17     16     15     14     13     12     11     10       9       8       7       6       5       4       3       2       1 

17 85  per  cent. 

16 80     85 

15..        .75     80     85 


14  .  . 

70 

75 

80 

85 

13  

12 

.  65 
60 

70 
65 

75 

70 

80 

75 

85 
80 

85 

11  

.  55 

60 

65 

70 

75 

80 

85 

10  
9 

.  50 
50 

55 
50 

60 
55 

65 
60 

70 
65 

75 
70 

80 
75 

85 
SO 

85 

8  

.  50 

50 

50 

55 

60 

65 

70 

75 

80 

85 

7  
6  
5  

.  50 
.  50 
50 

50 
50 
50 

50 
50 
50 

50 
50 
50 

55 
50 
50 

60 
55 
50 

65 
60 
55 

70 
65 
60 

75 
70 
65 

80 
75 
70 

85 
80 

75 

85 
80 

85 

4  

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

55 

60 

65 

70 

75 

80   8^ 

3  
2  

.  50 
.  50 

50 
50 

50 
50 

50 
50 

50 
50 

50 
50 

50 
50 

50 
50 

55 
50 

60 
55 

65 
60 

70 
65 

75  80  85 
70  75  80  85 

1  

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

55 

60 

65  70  7^  Rfl 

QK 

*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3988,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  99 

(c)  The  proportion  of  the  live  load  on  walls,  piers,  and  columns  on  buildings 
more  than  seventeen  stories  in  height  shall  be  taken  in  same  ratio  as  the  above  table. 

(d)  The  entire  dead  load  and  the  percentage  of  live  load  on  basement  columns, 
piers  and  walls  shall  be  taken  in  determining  the  stress  in  foundations. 

(e)  In  addition  to  the  entire  dead  loads,  not  less  than  the  following  proportion  of 
the  percentage  of  live  load  on  the  basement  columns,  piers  and  walls  shall  be  taken  in 
determining  the  number  of  piles  for  pile  foundations  and  the  area  of  concrete  caissons. 

Classes  I  and  VII 75  per  cent. 

Classes  II,  III  and  VI 50  per  cent. 

Classes  IV,  V  and  VIII 25  per  cent. 

In  all  foundations  eccentric  loading  must  be  provided  for. 

*519.  Thickness  of  Walls  and  Columns— Construction— Width— Height.)  (a) 
Brick,  stone,  and  solid  concrete  walls,  except  as  otherwise  provided,  shall  be  of 
the  thickness  in  inches  indicated  in  the  following  table: 

Base-     Stories '• 

ment.       123       456789     10     11     12 

One-story 12     12 

Two-story 16     12     12 

Three-story 16     16     12     12 

Four-story 20     20     16     16     12 

Five-story 24     20     20     16     16     16 

Six-story 24     20     20     20     16     16     16 

Seven-story     .  . .' 24     20     20     20     20     16     16     16 

Eight-story 24     24     24     20     20     20     16     16     16 

Nine-story 28     24     24     24     20     20     20     16     16     16 

Ten-story 28     28     28     24     24     24     20     20     20     16     16 

Eleven-story 28     28     28     24     24     24     20     20     20     16     16     16 

Twelve-story 32     28     28     28     24     24     24     20     20     20     16     16     16 

(b)  In  Class  VIII  buildings  the  thickness  of  surrounding  walls  and  of  all  divid- 
ing walls  carrying  loads  of  floors  and  roof  shall  be  as  indicated  in  the  following 
table,  to-wit: 

Base-  Stories 

ment.  12345 

in.  in.        in.       in.       in.        in. 

One-story 16  12 

Two  stories 16  16         12 

Three  stories     16  16         16         12 

Four  stories  20  20         16         16         12 

Five  stories   24  20         20         16         16         16 

(c)  In  Class  VIII  buildings  walls  around  stairs,  elevators  and  air  shafts  and 
joist  supports  shall  comply  with  the  requirements  of  Section  641  of  this  Chapter. 

(d)  The  basement  walls  of  two-story  buildings  and  the  first  story  walls  of 
three-story  buildings  in  Classes  III  and  VI  may  be  twelve  inches  in  thickness. 
The  first  story  walls  of  one- story  buildings  and  the  second  story  walls  of  two-story 
buildings  in  Classes  III  and  VI  may  be  eight  inches  in  thickness,  provided  that  where 
a  pressed  brick  face  is  used  no  wall  shall  be  less  than  twelve  inches  in  thickness, 
ard  an  eight-inch  brick  or  solid  concrete  partition  wall  may  be  built  in  a  building 


*As   amended  July   15,   1912.     See   page   1396,  Journal   of  the  Proceedings   of 
the    City    Council. 


100  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

of  any  class,  but  in  no  case  shall  any  eight-inch  brick  wall  be  more  than  fourteen 
feet  in  height. 

(e)  The  basement  walls  of  two-story  buildings  in  Classes  II,  III  and  VI  may  be 
12  inches  in  thickness. 

(f )  In  buildings  of  skeleton  fireproof  construction,  the  thickness  of  walls  shall 
be  governed  by  Section  623  of  this  Chapter. 

(g)  Walls  less  than  fifty  feet  in  length  and  walls  less  than  fifty  feet  between 
cross  walls,  may  be  built  four  inches  less  in  thickness  than  the  thickness  given 
in  the  aforesaid  table,  but  no  such  wall  in  such  buildings  shall  be  less  than  twelve 
inches  in  thickness,  provided,  however,  that  such  walls  in  buildings  of  Classes  III 
and  VI  may  be  sixty-five   feet   in   length;    and   further   provided,   that    eight-inch 
walk  may  be  used  in  one-story  brick  buildings  and  in  the  second  story  of  two- 
story  brick  buildings  of  said  last  mentioned  classes   where   said   eight-inch  walls 
are  not  more  than  fourteen  feet  in  height  and  are  supported  by  a  foundation  or 
wall  not  less  than  twelve  inches  in  thickness. 

(h)  A  brick  wall  not  more  than  twenty-five  feet  long  and  forming  one  side  of  a 
brick  shaft  for  stair,  elevator  or  other  purposes,  need  not  exceed  sixteen  inches 
in  thickness,  nor  its  upper  fifty  feet  twelve  inches  in  thickness,  provided  that  in 
no  case  shall  the  load  on  such  brick  wall  exceed  the  safe  load  for  brickwork  pre- 
scribed by  this  ordinance. 

(i)  The  length  of  a  wall  shall  be  the  distance  in  which  the  walls  extends  in  a 
straight  line  and  shall  be  measured  between  angles  of  the  masonry  or  between 
exterior  and  cross  walls. 

(j)  Where  masonry  buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters  are  employed  on  either  or 
both  sides  of  a  wall,  then  said  walls  may  be  reduced  in  thickness  by  one-half  of  the 
projection  or  projections  of  the  buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters.  The  reduction  in 
thickness  may  be  made  throughout  the  height  of  the  wall,  except  that  no  12- 
inch,  wall  shall  be  higher  than  thirty  feet  and  no  16-inch  wall  shall  be  higher  than 
fifty  feet.  The  stress  in  the  brick  work  in  any  part  of  such  walls  shall  not  exceed 
the  stress  per  square  inch  allowed  by  this  Chapter  on  the  kind  of  masonry  em- 
ployed. Buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters  shall  be  at  least  one- tenth  as  wide  as  the 
spacing  between  the  buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters.  Twelve-inch  walls  or  less 
between  buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters  shall  not  be  used  where  the  distance 
between  buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters  is  greater  than  eighteen  feet.  Sixteen- 
inch  walls  or  less  shall  not  be  used  between  buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters 
where  the  distance  is  greater  than  twenty-four  feet  between  buttresses  or  pilasters. 
Twenty-inch  walls  or  less  shall  not  be  used  between  buttresses  or  piers  or  pilasters 
where  the  distance  is  greater  than  thirty  feet  between  buttresses  or  piers  or 
pilasters. 

(k)  Where  buttresses  are  used,  they  shall  be  so  placed  that  the  principal  gir 
clers  and  trusses  shall  bear  on  them. 

(1)  If  the  loads  carried  by  trusses  and  girders  are  supported  by  iron,  steel,  or 
reinforced  concrete  columns,  then  such  buttresses  as  are  herein  described  shall  not  be 
required  except  for  the  fire-proofing  of  steel  and  iron  columns.  The  walls  between 
such  columns  shall  be  built  as  required  by  this  Chapter,  and  said  walls  shall  be 
anchored  to  such  columns  by  metal  anchors  in  every  seven  feet  to  the  height  of 
such  column. 

(m)  A  structural  floor  system  shall  extend  from  one  wall  to  an  opposite  wall, 
and  the  walls  shall  be  anchored  to  floor  joists  or  girders  or  both  with  iron  anchors 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES..  iOl 

placed  opposite  one  another,  secured  to  the  same  joists  or  girders  in  pairs,  every 
seven  feet  or  less  of  length  of  said  walls.  Where  said  joists  or  girders  are  of  such 
length  that  it  is  not  practicable  to  make  them  of  one  piece,  then  the  several 
pieces  shall  be  joined  at  each  splice  or  joint  by  tie  plates  or  tie  bars  or  other  metal 
connections  of  the  same  strength  as  the  anchors.  Such  anchors  shall  have  not 
less  than  four-tenths  of  a  square  inch  of  metal  in  its  smallest  cross-sectional  area. 
The  spikes,  bolts  or  screws,  securing  said  anchors  and  tie  plates,  shall  be  of  such 
number  and  size  as  to  transmit  the  tensile  strain  which  the  anchor  is  capable  of 
resisting  into  the  joists  or  girders  to  which  said  anchors  are  connected.  All  pin 
anchors  shall  extend  at  least  eight  inches  into  the  supporting  masonry. 

(n)  The  story  height  of  buildings  shall  be  the  distance  between  structural  floor 
systems  or  between  such  structural  floor  systems  and  structural  roof  systems  and 
shall  be  as  follows: 

Where  12-inch  walls  are  used,  the  story  height  shall  not  exceed  18  feet. 

Where  16-inch  walls  are  used,  the  story  height  shall  not  exceed  24  feet. 

Where  20-inch  walls  are  used,  the  story  height  shall  not  exceed  30  feet. 

(o)  Where  the  story  height  is  greater  than  thirty  feet,  the  walls  shall  not  be  of 
less  thickness  than  the  following:  The  upper  fifteen  feet  shall  be  not  less  than 
sixteen  inches  in  thickness,  and  the  walls  shall  be  increased  four  inches  in  thick- 
ness at  each  interval  of  fifteen  feet  or  fractional  part  thereof  of  height. 

(p)  Curtain  walls  in  skeleton  construction  buildings  may  be  of  hollow  clay 
tile  of  the  same  thickness  as  herein  required  for  brick  walls. 

(q)  The  walls  of  buildings  to  be  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  III  and  VI  and 
not  more  than  two  stories  in  height  may  be  of  hollow  clay  tile  or  moulded  hollow 
concrete  blocks  not  thinner  than  the  thickness  herein  required  for  brick  walls, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(r)  Interior  brick  walls  used  to  support  fireproof  floor  construction,  where 
brick  walls  are  not  required  by  this  chapter,  may  be  built  thinner  than  the 
thickness  required  by  the  provisions  of  paragraph  (a)  of  this  section,  provided 
the  proportion  between  the  thickness  of  such  walls  and  the  free  height  between 
floors  does  not  exceed  fifteen,  and  further  provided  the  unit  stresses  do  not  ex- 
ceed the  stresses  allowed  by  this  chapter,  and  provided,  also,  that  no  such  wall 
shall  be  constructed  of  a  thickness  less  than  twelve  inches. 

520.  Ledges — Joist  Supports.)  (a)  In  buildings  two  stories  or  more  in  height 
wherever  party  walls  or  partition  walls  twelve  inches  or  less  in  thickness  are  used 
for  the  support  of  wood  joists  in  buildings  of  Classes  I,  II,  IV,  V,  VII  and  VIII  the 
joists  shall  be  supported  on  ledges  of  brick  formed  by  corbeling  not  less  than  four 
courses  of  brick  and  the  upper  course  shall  project  four  inches  beyond  the  face  of 
the  wall,  and  the  joists  shall  be  protected  from  the  bottom  to  the  top  of  same 
for  the  distance  of  the  projection  of  the  corbel  by  solid  brick  work  laid  in  mortar. 

(b)  Wherever  iron  or  steel  joist  and  girder  boxes  having  five  complete  sides  of 
iron,  nowhere  less  than  i4-inch  in  thickness,  are  used,  corbels  and  ledges  as  here- 
in specified  may  be  omitted. 

(c)  In  buildings  of  every  class  where  wood  furring  is  used  oai  brick  walls,  the 
brick  between  joists   shall   be  projected   from  the  bottom  of   the  joist  to  the  top 
of  tie  joist  for  the  full  thickness  of  the  furring  and  in  no  case  shall  such  pro- 
jection be  less  than  two  inches. 


102  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

sl£  Walls  of  Altered  Buildings— Increasing  Thickness  of.)  If  the  walls 
of  a  building  are  not  of  sufficient  thickness  to  comply  with  the  requirements  of  this 
Chapter  for  an  enlarged  or  modified  building;,  then  the  thickness  of  the  existing 
walls  shall  be  increased  by  building  alongside  of  them  a  new  wall,  which  shall  not, 
however,  be  less  in  any  part  thereof  than  twelve  inches  thick,  and  which  shall  be 
increased  in  thickness  by  four  inches  for  at  least  every  forty  feet  in  the  height  of 
such  wall.  Such  new  wall  shall  be  laid  in  Portland  cement  mortar  and  shall  be 
anchored  to  the  old  wall,  but  bonding  with  brick  or  masonry  will  not  be  considered 
as  complying  with  this  Chapter;  and  if  an  increase  in  the  height  of  the  building  is 
contemplated,  the  wall  from  the  top  of  the  old  wall  shall  be  built  jointly  upon  the 
new  and  old  walls.  If  solid  masonry  buttresses  are  introduced  in  connection  with 
such  thickening  and  strengthening  of  existing  walls,  the  intervening  walls  may  be 
reduced  to  eight  inches  in  thickness,  provided  such  buttresses  are  sufficient  in  num- 
ber and  in  area  to  make  the  resultant  structure  of  equal  strength  with  the  solid 
wall  already  specified.  Provided,  however,  that  steel  or  iron  columns  or  beams  may 
be  used  instead  of  such  new  wall,  such  columns  or  beams  to  be  bolted  or  bonded 
to  the  existing  wall  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  and  approved  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings. 

522.  Walls — Party.)     The   provisions   of   the   preceding   section    shall   also   ap- 
ply to  all  cases  where  existing  party  walls  are  to  be  joined  to  for  the  erection  of 
rew  buildings.     But  in  the  case  of  party  walls,  which  at  the  time  of  their  erection 
were  built  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  city  ordinances  then  in  force,  such 
walls,  if  sound  and  in  good  condition,  may  be  used  without  increase  of  thickness  for 
any  building  not  higher  than  and  of  the  same  class  as  the  building  for  which  the 
original  wall  was  built.  • 

523.  Walls— Erection  of— Walls  and  Skeleton  Framework  Securely  Braced.)  In 
the  erection  of  buildings  of  masonry  construction,  no  wall  shall  be  carried  up  at 
any  time  more  than  two  stories   above  another  wall  of  the   same   building.     The 
walls  and  skeleton  frame  work  of  all  buildings  shall  be  kept  securely  braced  and 
otherwise  protected  against  the  effects  of  the  weather  during  all  building  operations. 

524.  Parapet  Walls— When  Required  on  Walls  and  Porches— Thickness  and  Height 
of.)     (a)  On  all  flat  roof  buildings  parapet  walls  shall  be  erected,  except  as  herein- 
after provided,  on  all  exterior  walls  and  on  all  partition  walls  required  by  this  ordi- 
nance by  reason  of  the  area  of  such  buildings;  provided,  that  such  parapet  walls 
may  be  dispensed  with  on  any  wall  of  a  fireproof  building,  and  on  street  and  alley 
walls  and  on  yard  and  court  walls  of  buildings  of  other  types  where  the  entire  fram- 
ing and  materials  of  the  roof  are  strictly  fireproof  or  where  all  portions  of  the  roof 
nearer  than  fifteen  feet  to  the  lot  line  of  such  street  or  alley  or  bounding  such  yard 
or  court  are  protected  against  fire  by  a  continuous  covering  of  porous  or  hollow 
tiles,  not  less  than  two  inches  thick  and  surfaced  with  mortar,  on  top  of  the  roof 
boards. 

(b)  'Such  parapet  walls  may  be  eight  inches  thick  wherever  this  ordinance  per- 
mits the  use  of  eight-inch  walls;  elsewhere  they  shall  be  not    less  than  twelve  inches 
in  thickness. 

(c)  Such  parapet   walls  shall  extend  at  any  point  not  less  than   three   feet 
vertically  above  the  roof  on  all  such  required  partition  walls  and  on  all  other  walls 
within  less  than  three  feet  of  any  division  lot  line  and  approximately  parallel  there- 
with; elsewhere  they  shall  extend  not  less  than  eighteen  inches  above  the  roof. 

(d)  On  all  buildings  whose  roofs  have  a  greater  pitch  than  three  inches  per 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  103 

horizontal  foot,  parapet  walls,  of  thickness  and  height  as  above  specified,  shall  be 
erected  on  required  partition  walls,  on  exterior  walls  approximately  parallel  with 
and  less  than  three  feet  distant  from  a  division  lot  line,  and  on  walls  abutting  on 
another  building.  Provided,  that  such  parapet  walls  may  be  dispensed  with  where 
the  entire  framing  and  materials  of  the  roof  are  fireproof  or  where  the  cornice  and 
roof  covering  are  of  incombustible  material  and  the  top  of  the  roof  boards  is  pro- 
tected against  fire  for  at  least  five  feet  up  from  such  wall  by  a  coating  of  plaster 
on  porous  or  hollow  tiles  at  least  two  inches  thick;  and  further  provided  that  such 
parapet  walls  and  such  protection  against  fire  may  be  dispensed  with  on  buildings 
of  Classes  III  and  VI,  three  stories  or  less  in  height  when  such  buildings  have  cor- 
nices of  incombustible  material  and  roof  coverings  of  slate  or  terra  cotta  roofing  tile. 

525.  Allowable  Stresses  and  Special  Requirements  for  Foundations — Bearing  on 
Various  Soils.)     (a)     If  the  soil  is  a  layer  of  pure  clay  at  least  fifteen  feet  thick, 
without  admixture  of  any  foreign  substance  other  than  gravel,  it  shall  not  be 
loaded  to  exceed  3,500  pounds  per  square  foot.    If  the  soil  is  a  layer  of  pure  clay 
at  least  fifteen  feet  thick  and  is  dry  and  thoroughly  compressed,  it  may  be  loaded 
not  to  exceed  4,500  pounds  per  square  foot. 

(b)  Tf  the  soil  is  a  layer  of  firm  sand  fifteen  feet  or  more  in  thickness,  and 
without  admixture  of  clay,  loam  or  other  foreign  substance,  it  shall  not  be  loaded 
to  exceed  5,000  pounds  per  square  foot. 

(c)  If  the  soil  is  a  mixture  of  clay  and  sand,  it  shall  not  be  loaded  to  exceed 
3,000  pounds  per  square  foot. 

526.  Foundations  in  Wet  Soil — Trenches  to  Be  Drained.)     In  all  cases  where 
foundations  are  built  in  wet  soil,  it  shall  be  unlawful  to  build  the  same  unless 
trenches  in  which  the  work  is  being  executed  are  kept  free  from  water  by  bailing, 
pumping,  or  otherwise,  until  after  the  completion  of  work  upon  the  foundations 
and  until  all  cement  has  properly  set.     In  all  cases  a  connection  with  the  street 
sewer  shall  be  established  before  beginning  the  work  of  laying  foundations. 

*527.  Foundations — Where  Not  Permitted — Depth  Below  Surface — Independent 
of  Underground  Construction  Owned  or  Controlled  by  the  City.)  (a)  Founda- 
tions shall  not  be  laid  on  filled  or  made  ground  or  on  loam,  or  on  any  soil  con- 
taining admixture  of  organic  matter,  and  must  rest  on  hard,  sound  soil.  Founda- 
tions shall  in  all  cases  extend  at  least  four  feet  below  the  finished  surface  of  the 
ground  upon  which  they  are  built,  unless  footings  rest  on  bed  rock. 

(b)  Foundations  shall  in  all  cases  extend  at  least  four  feet  below  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground  upon  which  they  are  built,  and  in  the  case  of  all  buildings  one 
hundred   feet  or  more  in  height,   foundations   shall   extend  at   least  to  the   depth 
drained  by  the  street  sewer  in  the  adjacent  streets  or  alleys;  but  if  such  sewers  are 
at  a  greater  depth  than  ten  feet  below  the  sidewalk  grade,  such  foundations  need 
not  extend  to  a  greater  depth  than  ten  feet,  provided  that  sound,  hard  soil  is  found 
at  that  depth. 

(c)  Every  building  forty  feet  or  more  in  height,  hereafter  erected,  which  is 
located  adjacent  to  any  street  or  alley  containing  any  then  existing  water  main, 
water  tunnel,  sewer,  conduit,  tunnel,  subway  or  other   underground  construction, 
owned  or  controlled  by  the  City,  shall  be  so  constructed  that  the  foundation  or 


*As  amended  December  19,  1910.     See  page  3319,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


104  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

superstructure   thereof   shall   not  be   supported   in  whole   or   in  part  by  any   such 
underground  construction. 

528.  Foundation  Construction.)     Foundations   shall  be  constructed  of  stone, 
gravel  or  slag  concrete,  dimension  stone  or  rubble  stone,  sewer  or  paving  bricks,  iron 
or  steel  imbedded  in  concrete  or  piles,  or  a  combination  of  any  of  the  same.     All 
masonry  foundations  shall  be  laid  in  cement  mortar. 

529.  Foundation  of  New  and  Old  Walls.)     In  all  cases  where  there  is  an  in- 
crease in  the  thickness  of  walls,  a  new  foundation  shall  be  built  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  carry  jointly  both  the  new  and  old  walls,  and  the  soil  under  such  foundations 
shall  not  be  loaded  beyond  the  limits  specified  in  this  Chapter. 

All  foundations  shall  be  protected  against  the  effects  of   frost,  and  cement 
mortar  which  has  been  affected  by  frost,  shall  not  be  used  in  building  operations. 

530.  Foundations — Pile  Borings  Required — Safe  Load  Required — Fiber  Stress.)  (a) 
Where  pile  foundations  are  used,  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  may  require  auger 
borings  of  the  soil  to  be  made  to  determine  the  position  of  the  underlying  stratum 
of  hard  clay  or  rock.    The  heads  of  the  piles  shall  be  protected  against  splitting 
while  they  are  being  driven.     The  piles  shall  be  sawed  off  to  a  uniform  level  at 
least    one    foot   below    Chicago   datum    after    being   driven,    and    the    heads    shall 
be  imbedded  in  concrete  or  covered  with  a  grillage  so  proportioned  that  in   the 
transmission  of  the  load  from  the  structure  to  the  pile,  the  stresses  in  the  materials 
shall  not  exceed  that  prescribed  in  this  Chapter.    The  top  of  timber  grillage  shall  be 
at  least  one  foot  below  Chicago  datum. 

(b)  The  center  of  gravity  of  a  pile  foundation  shall  coincide  with  the  center 
of  gravity  line  of  the  load  or  loads  which  it  carries. 

(c)  No  pile  of  less  than  six  inches  diameter  at  small  end  shall  be  used. 

(d)  The  safe  load  on  a  pile  shall  be  determined  by  and  shall  not  exceed  the 
following  formula: 

2wh 

P= for  steam  hammer; 

1 

S+— 
10 

2wh 

P= for  drop  hammer; 

S+l 

S=set  in  inches. 
h=fall  in  feet. 
w=weight  of  hammer. 
P=safe  load  in  pounds. 

(e)  The  maximum  load  on  a  timber  pile  shall  not  exceed  50,000  pounds. 

(f)  A  wood  follower  shall  not  be  used  in  determining  the  safe  load. 

(g)  Plans  for  pile  foundations   shall  be  submitted  to  the   Commissioner  of 
Buildings  for  approval  and  shall  specify  the  least  diameter  of  small  end  of  piles, 
and  no  piles  with  smaller  diameter  of  points  than  that  specified  for  the  job  shall 
be  used. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  105 

(h)  There  shall  not  be  less  than  two  rows  of  piles  under  all  external  party 
walls  or  other  walls  less  than  seventy  feet  high,  and  not  less  than  three  rows  under 
all  walls  over  seventy  feet  high,  excepting  under  walls  not  exceeding  fifty  feet  in 
height  a  single  staggered  row  of  piles  may  be  used  if  other  conditions  of  stability 
are  complied  with. 

531.  Concrete  Piles  Allowable — Compression — Tests — How  Made.)    (a)  Where  con- 
crete piles  are  used  test  piles  shall  be  driven  and  loaded  under  the  general  direc- 
tion of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(b)  The  allowable  compression  on  concrete  piles  shall  not  exceed  400  pounds 
pel  square  inch  at  a  section  six  feet  from  the  surface  of  the  ground  in  immediate 
contact  with  the  pile. 

(c)  These  tests  shall  conform  to  the   following  regulations:     Tests   shall  be 
made   on  at  least  two  piles  in  different  locations   and  as   directed  by  the   Com- 
missioner of   Buildings.    Not   less   than   three  piles   to   be   driven   for   each   test. 
The  pile  to  be  loaded  to  be  driven  first,  the  second  pile  to  be  driven  within  six 
hours  of  the  driving  of  the  first,  the  third  pile  to  be  driven  within  twenty  to  twenty- 
four  hours  after  the  first.     The  two  latter  shall  each  be  driven  with  centers  not 
to  exceed  twice  the  greatest  diameter  of  pile,  from  the  center  of  the  test  pile. 

(d)  The  tests  shall  not  be  started  until  at  least  ten  days  after  the  piles  to  be 
loaded  are  driven,  except  that  piles  that  have  been  cast  and  set  up  before  driving 
may  be  tested  as  soon  as  practicable  after  driving.    The  piles  shall  be  loaded  with 
twice  the  proposed  carrying  load  of  the  piles. 

(e)  The  settlement  shall  be  measured  daily  until  twenty-four  hours  shows  no 
settlement. 

(f)  One-half  of  the  test  load  shall  be  allowed  for  the  carrying  load,  if  the 
test  shows  no  settlement  for  twenty-four  hours  and  the  total  settlement  has  not 
exceeded  one  one-hundredth  of  an  inch  multiplied  by  the  test  load  in  tons. 

532.  Steel  Rails  or  Beams  in  Concrete.)     If  steel  or  iron  rails  or  beams  are 
used  as  parts  of  foundations,  they  shall  be  entirely  imbedded  in  concrete  extend- 
ing not  less  than  four  inches  beyond  the  metal. 

533.  Allowable  Stresses  and  Special  Requirements  for  Masonry.)     (a)     Allow- 
able stresses  in  pounds  per  square  inch  on  plain  concrete  and  stone  masonry  shall 
not  exceed  the  following:  Lbs. 

Coursed   rubble   Portland  cement  mortar 200 

Ordinary  rubble  Portland  cement  mortar 100 

Coursed  rubble  lime  mortar 120 

Ordinary    rubble    lime    mortar 60 

Firs't-class  granite  masonry,  Portland  cement  mortar 600 

First-class  lime  and  sandstone  masonry,  Portland  cement  mortar 400 

Portland  cement  concrete  1-2-4  mixture,  machine  mixed 400 

Portland  cement  concrete  1-2-4  mixture,    hand    mixed 350 

Portland  cement  concrete  l-2%-5  mixture,    machine    mixed 350 

Portland  cement  concrete  l-2y2-5  mixture,  hand  mixed 300 

Portland  cement  concrete  1-3-6  mixture,    machine    mixed 300 

Portland  cement  concrete  1-3-6  mixture,  hand   mixed 250 

Natural  cement  concrete  1-2-5    mixture 150 

(b)  Allowable  compression  in  pounds  per  square  inch  on  brick  masonry  shall 
not  exceed  the  following: 


106  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

Lbs. 

No.  1  paving  brick,  1  part  Portland  cement,  3  parts  torpedo  sand 350 

No.  2  pressed  brick  and  sewer  brick,  mortar  same  as  referred  to  above 250 

No.  3  hard  common  select  brick,  Portland  cement  mortar,  same  as  referred 

to  above 200 

No.  4  hard  common  select  brick,  1  part  Portland,  1  lime,  3  sand  as  referred 

to  above 175 

Xo.  o  common  brick,  all  grades.  Portland  cement  mortar 175 

No.  6  common  brick,  all  grades',  good  lime  and  cement  mjortar 125 

No.  7  common  brick,  all  grades,  natural  cement  mortar 150 

No.  8  common  brick,  all  grades,  good  lime  mortar 100 

(c).  Brick  under  Nos.  1  and  2  shall  not  crush  at  less  than  5,000  pounds  pres- 
sure per  square  inch  of  gross  area. 

(d)  Brick  under  Nos.  3  and  4  shall  not  crush  at  less  than  2,300  pounds  pres- 
sure per  square  inch  of  gross  area. 

(e)  Brick  under  Nos.  5,  6,  7,  and  8  shall  not  crush  at  less  than  1,800  pounds 
pressure  per  square  inch  of  gross  area.     Sand  lime  brick,  of  this  crushing  strength 
may  be  used  where  common  brick  is  permitted. 

(f)  Isol'ated  piers  of  concrete,  brick,  or  masonry  shall  not  be  higher  than  six 
times  their  smallest  dimensions  unless  the  above  unit  of  stresses  are  reduced  ac- 
cording to  the  following  formula: 

H 

P  equals  C  (1.25  minus ) 

20D 

In  which  formula 

P  is  the  reduced  allowed  unit  stress. 
C  is  the  unit  stress  in  the  above  table. 
H  is  the  height  of  the  pier  in  feet. 
D  is  the  least  dimension  of  the  pier  in  feet. 

(g)  No  pier  shall  exceed  in  height  twelve  times  the  least  dimension.     Weight 
of  pier  shall  be  added  to  other  loads  in  computing  load  coming  on  the  pier. 

534.  Definitions  of  Masonry.)     All  masonry  construction  shall  be  defined  as 
and  comply  with  the  following: 

(a)  Ordinary    Eubble    shall   be    defined   as    masonry    composed    of    unsquared 
stones  laid  without  attempting  any  regularity  of  courses  or  bond. 

(b)  Coursed  Rubble  shall  be  defined  as  masonry  having  approximately  level 
joints;   stones  to  be  roughly  shaped  so  as  to  fit  approximately;   joints  in  wall  or 
pier  to  be  leveled  off  every  three  (3)  feet  in  height  and  to  be  well  bonded. 

(c)  First  Class  Masonry  shall  be  defined  as  masonry  built  of  stones  in  regular 
courses,  the  bearing  surfaces  of  which  as  well  as  ends,  to  be  roughly  tooled  off 
and  shall  be  laid  with  alternate  headers  and  stretchers  so  as  to  secure  perfect  bond. 

535.  Ashlar  Facing.)     (a)   Ashlar  facing  of  masonry  walls  shall  only  be  con- 
sidered as  part  of  wall  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  weight,  when  it  has  a  minimum 
bond  as  follows: 

(b)  Every  second  course  to  be  a  bond  course,  this  bond  course  to  extend  into 
the  backing  a  distance  equal  to  the  least  thickness  of  ashlar.  In  addition  to  such 
bond,  each  stone  in  all  courses  shall  be  tied  to  backing  by  two  galvanized  iron 
anchors.  No  ashlar  shall  be  less  than  four  inches  thick,  nor  shall  the  height  of 
anv  stones  exceed  five  times  its  thickness. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES. 


107 


536.  Soft  Bricks — Where  Not  Permitted.)     Soft  bricks  shall  not  be  used  in 
any  part  of  a  building  where  exposed  to  the  weather,  nor  in  external  or  internal 
piers  or  bearing  walls. 

537.  Brickwork — Bond  of.)     The   bond  of  all  brickwork   shall   be   formed  by 
laying  one  course  of  headers  for  every  five  courses  of  stretchers;  provided  that  in 
tlie  case  of  pressed  brick  facing,  two  headers  and  a  stretcher  may  be  laid  alter- 
nately in  every  sixth  course  or  an  equivalent  number  of  full  headers  may  be  used 
in  any  other  arrangement  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings;  and  provided 
further,  that  pressed  brick  facing,  when  not  counted  as  part  of  the  bearing  wall, 
may  be  laid  with  fewer  or  no  header  courses  if  anchored  to  the  backing  by  metal 
ties   of  design,  material,  weight  and  quantity  approved  by  the   Commissioner   of 
Buildings. 

538.  Bricks — How  Laid.)     All  brick  laid  up   in  cement,  or  lime  and  cement 
mortar,  shall  be  thoroughly  drenched  immediately  before  being  laid  unless  laid  in 
freezing  weather.     Both  horizontal  and  vertical  joints  shall  be  tilled  with  mortar 
in  all  kinds  of  brick  masonry. 

•;:539.  Allowable  Stresses  and  Special  Requirements  for  Timber.)  The  maximum 
allowable  stresses  in  pounds  per  square  inch  on  actual  sections  for  timber  shall  be 
as  follows: 


Extreme  fibre  Coin- 
stress  pression 
and  tension  with 
with  grain.  grain. 
Douglas  Fir  and  Long  Leaf 

Yellow   Pine    1,300  1,100 

Oak   1,200  900 

Short  Leaf  Yellow  Pine.  .  .  .      1,000  800 

Norway   Pine    800  700 

White    Pine     800  700 

Hemlock  .                                         600  500 


Compression 

across 

grain  in     Compression 

buildings     across  grain 

hereafter     in  existing 

erected.         buildings. 


250 
500 
250 
200 
200 
150 


400 
600 
300 
300 
300 
300 


Shear 
with 
grain. 

130 
200 
120 

80 
80 
60 


The  unit  stress  on  timber  posts  shall  comply  with  the  formula: 

L 

C   (1= ) 

SOD 
In  which  formula: 

C  equals  compressive  strength  of  timber  with  the  grain  as  given  in  the  table. 
L  equals  length  in  inches. 
D  equals  least  diameter  inches. 

The  maximum  length  of  a  timber  post  shall  not  exceed  thirty  diameters, 
Timber  columns  shall  not  be  used  in  buildings  of  greater  height  than  twice  the 
width  of  the  building  nor  in  buildings  over  one  hundred  feet  in  height. 

540.  Quality  of  Timber.)     Timber  used  for  building  purposes  shall  be  sound, 
well  manufactured,  close  grained,  free  from  wind  shakes  or  from  dead,  loose,  de- 
cayed,  encased  or  pitch  knots,  or  knots  and  other  defects   that   will   materially 
impair  its  strength  and  durability. 

541.  Maximum  Allowable  Stresses  and  Special  Requirements  for  Metals.)    (a) 

-As  amended  February  14,  1913.     See  page  3773,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  Citv  Council 


108  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

The  maximum  allowable  stresses  in  pounds  per  square  inch  in  steel  and  iron  shall 
not  exceed  the  following: 

Rolled  Cast  Wrought  Cast 

Steel.  Steel.  Iron.  Iron. 

Tension  on  net  section 16,000  16,000  12,000 

Maximum  compression  on  gross  section  14,000  14,000  10,000  10,000 

Bending  on  extreme  fibre 16,000  16,000  12,000 

Bending  on  extreme  fibre  tension 3,000 

Bending  on  extreme  fibre  compression     10,000 

Bending  on  extreme  fibres  of  pins 25,000  

Shear:  shop  driven  rivets  and  pins ...     12,000  

Shear:   field  driven  rivets 10,000  

Shear  on  rolled  steel  shapes 12,000  

Shear  plate  girder  webs;  gross  section     10,000  

Shear   on    brackets 2,000 

Bearing,  shop  driven  rivets  and  pins. .     25,000  _          

Bearing,   field  rivets 20,000  

(b)  The  allowable  compressive  stresses  per  square  inch  shall  be  determined 
by  the  following  formulae: 

L 

Steel    16,000—  70  — 

R 
L 

Wrought    iron 12,000 —  60  — 

-R 
L 

Cast    iron 10,000—  60  — 

R 

In  the  above  formulae: 
(L  equals  length  in  inches. 
R  equals  least  radius  of  gyration  in  inches. 

(c)  In  no  case  shall  the  allowable  compressive  stress  exceed  that  given  in 
paragraph  (a)  of  this  section. 

(d)  For  steel  columns  filled  with,  and  encased  in  concrete  extending  at  least 
three  inches  beyond  the  outer  edge  of  the  steel,  where  the  steel  is  calculated  to 
carry  the  entire  live  and  dead  load,  the  allowable  stress  per  square  inch  shall  be 
determined  by  the  following  formula: 

L 

18,000—70—, 
R 
but  shall  not  exceed  16,000  pounds. 

(e)  For  steel  columns  filled  with,  but  not  encased  in,  concrete,  the  steel  shall 
be   calculated  to  carry   the   entire   live  and  dead  load.    In   this   case   the   above 
formula  may  be  used,  but  the  allowable  stress  shall  not  exceed  14,000  pounds. 

(f)  Stresses  due  to  eccentric  loading  shall  be  provided  for  in  all  compressive 
members. 

(g)  The  length  of  rolled  steel  compressive  members  shall  not  exceed  one  hun- 
dred twenty  times  the  least  radius  of  gyration,  but  the  limiting  length  of  struts 
for  wind  bracing  only  may  be  one  hundred  fifty  times  the  least  radius  of  gyration. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  109 

The  limiting  length  for  cast  iron  columns  shall  be  seventy  times  the  least  radius 
of  gyration. 

(h)  Cast  iron  columns  shall  not  be  used  in  buildings  of  greater  height  than 
twice  the  least  width,  or  in  buildings  over  100  feet  high. 

542.  Live  and  Dead  Loads — Stress.)     (a)     Wherever  the  live  and  dead  load 
stresses  are  of  opposite  character,  only  70  per  cent  of  the  dead  load  stress  shall  be 
considered   as  effective   in   counteracting  the  live   load  stress. 

(b)  For  stress  produced  by  wind  forces  combined  with  those  from  live  and 
dead 'load,  the  unit  stress  may  be  increased  fifty  per  cent,  over  those  given  above; 
but  the  section  shall  not  be  less  than  required  if  wind  forces  be  neglected. 

543.  Riveting — Tension.)     (a)     In  proportioning  tension  members  the  diameter 
ef  the  rivet  holes  shall  be  taken  one-eighth  of  an  inch  larger  than  the  nominal 
diameter  of  the  rivet. 

(b)  In  proportioning  rivets  the  nominal  diameter  of  the  rivet  shall  be  used. 

(c)  Pin-connected  riveted  tension  members  shall  have  a  net  section  through 
the  pin-hole  at  least  25  per  cent  in  excess  of  the  net  section  of  the  body  of  the 
member  and  the  net  section  back   of  the  pin-hole,  parallel  with  the  axis  of  the 
member,  shall  not  be  less  than  the  net  section  of  the  body  of  the  member. 

544.  Plate  Girders — Flanges — Compression.)     (a)     Plate  girders  shall  be  pro- 
portioned either  by  the  moment  of  inertia  of  their  net  section,  or  by  assuming  that 
the  flanges  are  concentrated  at  their  centers  of  gravity  and  a  unit  stress  used 
such  that  the  extreme  fibre  stress  does  not  exceed  16,000  pounds  per  square  inch, 
in  which  case  one-eighth  of  the  gross  section  of  the  web,  if  properly  spliced,  may 
be  used  as  flange  section. 

(b)  The  gross  section  of  the  compression  flanges  of  plate  girders  shall  not  be 
less  than  the  gross  section  of  the  tension  flanges;  nor  shall  the  stress  per  square 
inch  in  the  compression  flange  of  any  beam  or  girder  of  a  longer  length  than  25 
times  the  width  exceed 

L 

20,000—160— 
B 
In  which   formula 

L  equals  unsupported  distance  and 
B  equals  width  of  flange. 

(c)  The  flanges  of  plate  girders  shall  be  connected  to  the  web  with  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  rivets  to  transfer  the  total  shear  at  any  point  in  a  distance  equal 
to  the  effective  depth  of  the  girder  at  that  point  combined  with  any  load  that  is 
applied  directly  on  the  flanges. 

(d)  Webs  of  plate  girders  shall  be  provided  with  stiff eners  over  all  bearing 
points,  under  all  points  of  concentrated  loading  and  elsewhere  when  required  by 
good  engineering  practice. 


REINFORCED  CONCRETE. 

545.    Reinforced    Concrete— Definition— Plans.)     The    term    "Re-inforced    Con- 
crete" means  any  combination  of  metal  imbedded  in  concrete  to  form  a  structure 


110  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

so  that  the  two  materials  assist  each  other  to  sustain  all  the  stresses  imposed. 
Before  a  permit  to  erect  any  re-inforced  concrete  structure  is  issued,  complete 
plans  and  specifications  shall  be  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  showing 
all  details  of  the  construction,  including  detail  of  working  joints,  the  size  and 
position  of  all  re-inforcing  rods,  stirrups  or  other  forms  of  metal,  and  giving  the 
composition  and  proportion  of  the  concrete;  provided,  however,  that  permission  to 
erect  any  re-inforced  concrete  structure  does  not  in  any  manner  approve  the  con- 
struction until  after  tests  have  been  made  of  the  actual  construction  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

546.  Ratio  of  Moduli  of  Elasticity— Adhesion— Bond. )      (a)     The  calculations 
for  the  strength  of  reinforced  concrete  shall  be  based  on  the  assumed  ultimate  com 
pressive  strength  per  square  inch  designated  by  the  letter  "U"  given  in  the  table 
below  for  the  mixture  to  be  used. 

(b)     The  ratio  designated  by  the  letter  "R"  of  the  modulus  of  elasticity  of 

steel  to  that  of  the  different  grades  of  concrete  shall  be  taken  in  accordance  with 

the  following  table: 

•                        Mixture.                                                                                  U  B 

1  cement,  1  sand,  2  broken  stone,  gravel  or  slag 2,900  10 

1  cement,  1%  sand,  3  broken  stone,  gravel  or  slag 2,400  12 

1  cement,  2  sand,  4  broken  stone,  gravel  or  slag 2,000  15 

1  cement,  2%  sand,  5  broken  stone,  gravel  or  slag 1,750  IS 

1  cement,  3  sand,  7  broken  stone,  gravel  or  slag 1.500  2C 

547.  Unit  Stresses  for  Steel  and  Concrete.)     (a)     The  stresses  in  the  concrete 
and  the  steel  shall  not  exceed  the  following  limits: 

(b)  Tensile  stress  in  steel  shall  not  exceed  one-third  of  its  elastic  limits  anc 
shall  not  exceed  18,000  pounds  per  square  inch. 

(c)  Shearing  stress  in  steel  shall  not  exceed  12,000  pounds  per  square  inch. 

(d)  The  compressive  stress  in  steel  shall  not  exceed  the  product  of  the  com 
pressive  stress  in  the  concrete  multiplied  by  the  elastic  modulus  of  the  steel  anc 
divided  by  the  elastic  modulus  of  the  concrete. 

(e)  Direct  compression  in  concrete  shall  be  one-fifth  of  its  ultimate  strength 
Bending  in  extreme  fibre  of  concrete  shall  be  thirty-five  one-hun&redths  of  the  ulti 
mate  strength. 

(f)  Tension  in  concrete  on  diagonal  plane  shall  be  one-fiftieth  of  the  ultimate 
compressive  strength. 

(g)  For  a  concrete  composed  of  one  part  of  cement,  two  parts  of  sand  anc 
four  parts  of  broken  stone,  the  allowable  unit  stress  for  adhesion  per  square  inch  oi 
surface  of  imbedment  shall  not  exceed  the  following: 

Pounds  Pei 
Sq.  Inch. 

On  plain  round  or  square  bars  of  structural  steel 70 

On  plain  round  or  square  bars  of  high  carbon  steel 50 

On  plain  flat  bars,  in  which  the  ratio  of  the  sides  is  not  more  than  2  to  1 50 

On  twisted  bars  when  the  twisting  is  not  less  than  one  complete  twist  in  eight 

diameters   = 100 

(h)  For  specially  formed  bars,  the  allowable  unit  stress  for  bond  shall  not 
exceed  one-fourth  of  the  ultimate  bond  strength  of  such  bars  without  appreciable 
slip  which  shall  be  determined  by  tests  made  by  the  person,  firm  or  corporation  to 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  Ill 

the  satisfaction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  but  provided  that  in  no  case  shall 
such  allowable  unit  stress  exceed  100  pounds  per  square  inch  of  the  specially 
formed  bars. 

548.  Design  for  Slabs,  Beams  and  Girders.)  Re-inforced  concrete  slabs,  beams 
and  girders  shall  be  designed  in  accordance  with  the  following  assumptions  and 
requirements : 

(a)  The  common  theory  of  flexure  shall  be  applied  to  beams  and  members  re- 
sisting bending. 

(b)  The  adhesion  between  the  concrete  and  the  steel  shall  be  sufficient  to  make 
Uie  two  materials  act  together. 

(c)  The  steel  to  take  all  the  direct  tensile  stresses. 

(d)  The  stress  strain  curve  of  concrete  in  compression  is  a  straight  line. 

(e)  The  ratio  of  the  moduli  of  elasticity  of  concrete  to  steel  shall  be  as  speci- 
fied in  the  table  in  Section  546. 

549.  Moments  of  External  Forces.)  (a)  Beams,  girders,  floor  or  roof  slabs  and 
joists  shall  be  calculated  as  supported,  or  with  fixed  ends,  or  with  partly  fixed  ends, 
in  accordance  with  the  actual  end  conditions,  the  number  of  spans  and  the  design. 

(b)  When  calculated  for  ends  partly  fixed  for  intermediate  spans  with  an 
equally   distributed    load    where   the    adjacent   spans    are  of    approximately    equal 
lengths : 

Bending  moment  at  center  of  spans  shall  not  be  less  than  that  expressed  in  the 
WL2  WL2 

formula for  intermediate  spans  and for  end  spans. 

12  10 

WL1 

(c)  The  moment  over  supports  shall  not  be  less  than  the  formula and  the 

18 

sum  of  the  moments  over  one  support  and  at  the  center  of  span  shall  be  taken  not 
WL2 

less  than  the  formula  . 

6 

In  the  formula  hereinabove  given  "W"  is  the  load  per  lineal  foot  and  "L"  the 
length  of  span  in  feet. 

(d)  In  case  of  concentrated  or  special  loads  the  calculations  shall  be  based  on 
the  critical  condition  of  loading. 

(e)  For  fully  supported  slabs,  the  free  opening  plus  the  depth,  for  continuous 
slabs,  the  distance  between  centers  of  supports,  is  to  be  taken  as  the  span. 

(f)  Where   the  vertical  shear,  measured  on  the  section  of  a  beam  or  girder 
between  the  centers  of  action  of  the  horizontal  stresses,  exceeds  one-fiftieth  of  the 
ultimate  direct  compressive  stress  per  square  inch,  web  reinforcement  shall  be  sup- 
plied sufficient  to  carry  the  excess.    The  web  reinforcement  shall  extend  from  top  to 
bottom  of  beam,   and  loop  or  connect  to  the  horizontal  reinforcement.     The  hori- 
zontal  reinforcement   carrying  the   direct   stresses  shall   not  be   considered  as  web 
reinforcement. 


112  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

(g)  In  no  case,  however,  shall  the  vertical  shear,  measured  as  stated  above, 
exceed  one-fifteenth  of  the  ultimate  compression  strength  of  the  concrete. 

(h)  For  T  beams  the  width  of  the  stem  only  shall  be  used  in  calculating  the 
above  shear. 

(i)  When  steel  is  used  in  the  compression  side  of  beams  and  girders,  the  rods 
shall  be  tied  in  accordance  with  requirements  of  vertical  reinforced  columns  with 
stirrups  connecting  with  the  tension  rods  of  the  beams  or  girders. 

(j)  All  reinforcing  steel  shall  be  accurately  located  in  the  forms  and  secured 
against  displacement;  and  inspected  by  the  representative  of  the  architect  or 
engineer  in  charge  before  any  surrounding  concrete  be  put  in  place.  It  shall  be 
afterwards  completely  inclosed  by  the  concrete,  and  such  steel  shall  nowhere  be  nearer 
the  surface  of  the  concrete  than  ll/2  inches  for  columns,  1%  inches  for  beams  and 
girders,  and  %  -inch,  but  not  less  than  the  diameter  of  the  bar,  for  slabs. 

(k)  The  longitudinal  steel  in  beams  and  girders  shall  be  so  disposed  that 
there  shall  be  a  thickness  of  concrete  between  the  separate  pieces  of  steel  of  not  less 
than  one  and  one-half  times  the  maximum  sectional  dimension  of  the  steel. 

(1)     For  square  slabs  with  two-way  reinforcements  the  bending  moment  at  the 

WL2 

center  of  the  slab  shall  not  be  less  than  that  expressed  in  the  formula  for 

24 
WL1 

intermediate  spans,  and for  end  spans. 

20 

WL1 

(m)     The  moment  over  supports  shall  not  be  less  than  the  formula and 

36         . 

the  sum  of  the  moments  over  one  support  and  at  the  center  of  the  span  shall  be 

WL8 

taken  not  less  than  the  formula . 

12 

In  which  above  formula  "W"  is  the  load  per  lineal  foot  and  "L"  the  length  of 
the  span. 

(n)  For  squares  or  rectangular  slabs,  the  distribution  of  the  loads  in  the  two 
directions,  shall  be  inversely  as  the  cubes  of  the  two  dimensions. 

(o)  Exposed  metal  of  any  kind  will  not  be  considered  a  factor  in  the  strength 
of  any  part  of  any  concrete  structure,  and  the  plaster  finish  "applied  over  the  metal 
shall  not  be  deemed  sufficient  protection  unless  applied  of  sufficient  thickness  and 
so  secured  as  to  meet  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

550.  Limiting  Width  of  Flange  in  "T"  Beams.)  (a)  In  the  calculation  of  ribs, 
a  portion  of  the  floor  slab  may  be  assumed  as  acting  in  flexure  in  combination  with 
the  rib.  The  width  of  the  slab  so  acting  in  flexure  is  to  be  governed  by  the  shearing 
resistance  between  rib  and  slab,  but  limited  to  a  width  equal  to  one-third  of  the 
span  length  of  the  ribs  between  supports  and  also  limited  to  a  width  of  three- 
quarters  of  the  distance  from  center  to  center  between  ribs. 

(b)  No  part  of  the  slab  shall  be  considered  as  a  portion  of  the  rib,  unless 
the  slab  and  rib  are  cast  at  the  same  time. 

(c)  Where  reinforced  concrete  girders  support  reinforced  concrete  beams,  the 
portion  of  floor  slab  acting  as  flange  to  the  girder  must  be  reinforced  with  rods  near 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  113 

the  top,  at  right  angles  to  the  girder,  to  enable  it  to  transmit  local  loads  directly 
to  the  girder  and  not  through  the  beams. 

551.  Shrinkage  and  Thermal  Stresses.)     Shrinkage  and  thermal  stresses  shall 
be  provided  for  by  introduction  of  steel. 

552.  Reinforced  Concrete  Columns — Limit  of  Length — Per  Cent  of  Reinforcement 
— Bending  Moment  in  Columns — Tying  Vertical  Rods.)     (a)  Reinforced  concrete  may 
be  used  for  columns  in  which  ihe  concrete  shall  not  be  leaner  than  a  1:2:4  mixture 
and  in  which  the  ratio  of  length  to  least  side  or  diameter  does  not  exceed  twelve, 
but  in  no  case  shall  the  cross  section  of  the  column  be  less  than  64  square  inches. 
Longitudinal   reinforcing  rods  must  be  tied  together   to  effectively  resist  outward 
flexure  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  twelve  times  least  diameter  of  rod  and  not 
more  than  18  inches.    When  compression  rods  are  not  required,  reinforcing  rods  shall 
be  used,  equivalent  to  not  less  than  one-half  of  one  per  cent  (.005)  of  the  cross  sec- 
tional area  of  the  column;   provided,  however,  that  the  total  sectional  area  of  the 
reinforcing  steel  shall  not  be  less  than  one  square  inch,  and  that  no  rod  or  bar  be  of 
smaller  diameter  or  least  dimensions  than  one-half  inch.     The  area  of  reinforcing 
compression  rods  shall  be  limited  to  three  per  cent,  of  cross  sectional  area  of  the 
column.      Vertical    reinforcing    rods    shall    extend   upward   or    d6wnward   into   the 
column,  above  or  below,  lapping  the  reinforcement  above  or  below  enough  to  develop 
the  stress  in  rod  by  the  allowable  unit  for  adhesion.     When  beams  or  girders  are 
made  monolithic  with  or  rigidly  attached  to  reinforced  concrete  columns,  the  latter 
shall  be   designed  to  resist  a  bending  moment   equal  to  the  greatest  possible  un- 
balanced moment  in  the  beams  or  girders  at  the  columns,  in  addition  to  the  direct 
loads  for  which  the  columns  are  designed. 

(b)  When  the  reinforcement  consists  of  vertical  bars  and  spiral  hooping,  the 
concrete  may  be  stressed  to  one-fourth  of  its  ultimate  strength  as  given  in  Section  546, 
provided,  that  the  amount  of  vertical  reinforcement  be  not  less  than  the  amount 
of  the  spiral  reinforcement,  nor  greater  than  eight  per  cent,  of  the  area  within  the 
hooping;  that  the  percentage  of  spiral  hooping  be  not  less  than  one-half  of  one  per 
cent,  nor  greater  than  one  and  one-half  per  cent.;  that  the  pitch  of  the  spiral  hoop- 
ing be  uniform  and  not  greater  than  one-tenth  of  the  diameter  of  the  column,  nor 
greater  than  three  inches;  that  the  spiral  be  secured  to  the  verticals  at  every  inter- 
section in  such  a  manner  as  to  insure  the  maintaining  of  its  form  and  position,  that 
the  verticals  be  spaced  so  that  their  distance  apart,  measured  on  the  circumference 
be  not  greater  than  nine  inches,  nor  one-eighth  the  circumference  of  the  column 
within  the  hooping.  In  such  columns,  the  action  of  the  hooping  may  be  assumed  to 
increase  the  resistance  of  the  concrete  equivalent  to  two  and  one-half  times  the 
amount  of  the  spiral  hooping  figured  as  vertical  reinforcement.  No  part  of  the  con- 
crete outside  of  the  hooping  shall  be  considered  as  a  part  of  the  effective  column 
section. 

553.  Structural  Steel  Columns.)     When  the  vertical  reinforcement  consists  of 
a  structural  steel  column  of  box  shape,  with  lattice  or  battenplates  of  such  a  form 
as  to  permit  its  being  filled  with  concrete,  the  concrete  may  be  stressed  to  one- 
fourth  of  its  ultimate  strength  as  given  in  table  in  Section  546,  provided  that  no 
shape  of  less  than  one  square  inch  section  be  used  and  that  the  spacing  of  the  lacing 
or  battens  be  not  greater  than  the  least  width  of  the  columns. 

554.  Curtain  Walls  in  Skeleton  Construction  Buildings.)     Buildings  having  a 
complete   skeleton    construction  of   steel  or  of  reinforced  concrete  construction,  or 


114  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

a  combination  of  both,  may  have  exterior  walls  of  reinforced  concrete  eight  inches 
thick;  provided,  however,  that  such  walls  shall  support  only  their  own  weight  and 
that  such  walls  shall  have  steel  reinforcement  of  not  less  than  three-tenths  of 
one  per  cent  in  each  direction;,  vertically  and  horizontally,  the  rods  spaced  not  more 
than  twelve-inch  centers  and  wired  to  each  other  at  each  intersection.  All  bars 
shall  be  lapped  for  a  length  sufficient  to  develop  their  full  stress  for  the  allowable 
unit  stress  for  adhesion.  Additional  bars  shall  be  set  around  openings,  the  verticals 
wired  to  the  nearest  horizontal  bars,  and  the  horizontal  bars  at  top  and  bottom 
of  openings  shall  be  wired  to  the  nearest  vertical  bars.  The  steel  rods  shall  be 
combined  with  the  concrete  and  placed  where  the  combination  will  develop  the 
greatest  strength,  and  the  rods  shall  be  staggered  or  placed  and  secured  so  as  to 
resist  a  pressure  of  thirty  pounds  per  square  foot,  either  from  the  exterior  or 
from  the  interior  on  each  and  every  square  foot  of  each  wall  panel. 

555.  Bending  and  Elongation  of  Steel.)    The  bending  and  elongation  of  steel 
used  in  reinforced  concrete  construction  shall  conform  to  the  following  requirements : 
(a)  Steel  having  a  diameter  of  three-fourths  of  an  inch  or  less  shall  be  capable  of 
bending  cold  ninety  degrees  over  a  diameter  equal  to  twice  the  thickness  of  the 
piece  without  fracture;  steel  over  three-fourths  inch  in  diameter  shall  be  capable  of 
bending  cold  to  ninety  degrees  over  a  diameter  equal  to  three  times  the  diameter  of 
the  piece. 

(b)  The  material  of  reinforcement  shall  be  such  form  that  it  will  not  elongate 
under  working  stress  to  exceed  one  fifteen-hundredth. 

(c)  Reinforcing  steel  used  in  reinforcing  concrete  construction   shall  not  be 
painted,  but  shall  be  free  from  all  mill  scale  and  loose  rust. 

556.  Cement  Tests.)      (a)     Only  Portland  cement  shall  be  used  in  reinforced 
concrete  construction.     All  cement  shall  be  tested  in  car  load  lots  when  delivered, 
or  in  quantities  equal  to  the  same.     Cement  failing  to  meet  the  requirements  of 
accelerated  test  shall  be  rejected* 

(b)  Pats   of  neat  cement  must  be  allowed  to   harden  twenty-four   hours   in 
moist  air,  and  then  be  submitted  to  the  accelerated  test  as  follows:      A  pat  is 
exposed   in   any   convenient  way    in   an  '  atmosphere   of    steam,    and   above   boiling 
water,  in  a  loosely  closed  vessel  for  three  hours,  after  which  before  the  pat  cools, 
it  is  placed  in  the  boiling  water  for  five  additional  hours.     To  pass  this  test  satis- 
factorily, the  pat  shall  remain  firm  and  hard,  and  show  no  signs  of  cracking,  dis- 
tortion or  disintegration. 

(c)  Portland  cement  when  tested  shall  have  a  minimum  tensile  strength  as 
follows:   Neat  cement  after  one  day  in  moist  air  shall  develop  a  tensile  strength 
of  at  least  200  pounds   per   square   inch;    after   one  day  in   air   and   six   days  in 
water   shall   develop    a  tensile  strength   of  at   least  500  pounds  per  square  inch, 
and  after  one  day  in  air  and  twenty-seven  days  in  water,  shall  develop  a  tensile 
strength  of  at  least  600  pounds  per  square  inch.     Cement  and  sand  tests  composed 
of  one  part  of  cement  and  three  parts  of  sand  shall,  after  one  day  in  air  and  six 
days  in  water,  develop  a  tensile  strength  of  at  least  175  pounds  per  square  inch; 
and  after  one  day  in  air  and  twenty-seven  days  in  water,  shall  develop  a  tensile 
strength  of  at  least  240  pounds  per  square  inch. 

(d)  A  certificate  that  the  cement  used  has  been  tested  and  has  met  the  re- 
quirements of  this  section  and  that  the  tests  have  been  made  in  accordance  with 
the   standard  methods  prescribed  by   the  American   Society  for  Testing  Materials, 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  115 

on  pages  149  to  164,  both  inclusive,  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Eleventh  Annual 
Meeting  of  the  American  Society  for  Testing  Materials,  adopted  August  15,  1908, 
shall  be  furnished  by  the  architect  or  engineer  in  charge  to  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings. 

557.  Sand.)     The  sand  to  be  used  for  concrete  shall  be  clean,  hard,  coarse 
sand,  of  the  grade  known  as  torpedo  sand,  and  free  from  loam  or  dirt,  not  less  than 
45  per  centum  shall  be  returned  on  a  screen  of  400  mesh  to  the  square  inch. 

558.  Stone.)     The  stone  to  be  used  in  concrete  shall  be  clean  crushed  hard 
stone  or  clean  crushed  blast  furnace  slag  or  gravel  of  a  size  to  pass  through  a 
one-inch  square  mesh.     If  limestone  or  slag  is  used,  it  shall  be  screened  to  remove 
all  dust;  if  gravel  is  used,  it  shall  be  thoroughly  washed.     Stone  shall  be  drenched 
immediately   before  using.      If   slag   is   used,   it  shall  be   of    such    character   that 
when  made  into  concrete  the  concrete  will   develop   a  crushing  strength   equal   to 
that  specified  for  stone  or  gravel  concrete. 

559.  Mixing.)      All    concrete    shall    be    mixed    in    a    mechanical    mixer    ex- 
cept when   limited  quantities   are   required,   or  when   the  conditions   of  the   work 
make  hand  mixing  preferable;    hand   mixing  to  be  done  only   when   approved  by 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.     In  all  mixing,  the  separate  ingredients  shall  be 
measured  and  shall  be  thoroughly  mixed  and  must  be  uniform  in  color,  appear- 
ance and  consistency  before  placing. 

560.  Placing  Concrete.)     In  filling  in  concrete  around  reinforcing  steel,  the 
concrete  must  be  worked  continuously  with   suitable  tools,  as  it  is  put   in  place. 
Filling  the  forms  completely  and  puddling  afterwards  will  not  be  permitted.     In 
placing  the  concrete,  the  work  shall  be  so  laid  out  that  partly  set  concrete  will 
not  be  subjected  to  shocks  from  men  wheeling  or  handling  material  over  it. 

561.  Concrete  Placed  in  Freezing  Weather.)  When  concreting  is  carried  on  in 
freezing  weather,  the  material  must  be  heated,  and  such  provisions  made  that  the 
concrete  can  be  put  in  place  without  freezing.     The  use  of  frozen,  lumpy  sand,  or 
stone  depending  on  hot  water  used  in  mixing  to  thaw  it  out  will  not  be  permitted. 
All  reinforced  concrete  shall  be  kept  at  a  temperature  above  freezing  for  at  least 
forty-eight  hours  after  being  put   in   place.     All   forms  under   concrete  placed   in 
freezing   weather   shall   remain   until   all   evidences   of  frost   are   absent   from  the 
concrete  and  the  natural  hardening  of  the  concrete  has  proceeded  to  the  point  of 
safety. 

562.  Concrete   Placed   in    Warm   Weather.)     Concrete   laid  in   warm  weather 
shall  be  drenched  with  water  twice  daily,  Sunday  included,  during  the  first  week 
after  being  put  in  place. 

563.  Cement   Finish.)     Cement   finish   added   to   the   top   of   slabs,   beams,   or 
girders  shall  not  be  calculated  in  the  strength  of  a  member  unless  laid  integrally 
with  the  rough  concrete.     No  greater  unit  stress  shall  be  allowed  on  such  cement 
finish  than  on  the  rough  concrete. 

564.  Fireproof  Concrete  Construction.)     Reinforced  concrete  construction  will 
be  accepted  for  fireproof  buildings  if  designed  as  prescribed  in  this  paragraph.     The 
aggregate  for   such   concrete   shall   be  clean,  broken   stone   or   clean   crushed  blast 
furnace   slag,   or   clean    screened   gravel,   together   with   clean,   coarse    sand  of   the 
grade  known   as  torpedo    sand;    stone,    slag  or  gravel  shall  be   of  a   size   to   pass 


116  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

through  a  screen  of  three-quarter  inch  square  mesh.  The  minimum  thickness  of 
concrete  surrounding  the  reinforcing  members  of  reinforced  concrete  beams  and 
girders  shall  be  two  inches  on  the  bottom,  and  one  and  one-half  inches  on  the  sides 
of  said  beams  and  girders.  The  minimum  thickness  of  concrete  under  slab  rods 
shall  be  one  inch;  and  all  reinforcement  in  columns  shall  have  a  minimum  pro- 
tection of  two  inches  of  concrete  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  if  a  supplementary 
metal  fabric  is  placed  in  the  concrete  surrounding  the  reinforcing,  simply  for  hold- 
ing  the  concrete,  the  thickness  of  concrete  under  the  reinforcing  may  be  reduced 
by  one-half  inch,  then  such  fabric  shall  not  be  considered  as  reinforcing  metal. 

565.  Removal  of  Forms.)     In  no  case   shall  the   props  and  shores   used  in 
reinforced  concrete   construction   be  removed  from   under   floors   and   roofs   in   less 
than  two  weeks,  except  as  is  provided  herein.    Column  forms  shall  not  be  removed 
in  less  than  four  days.     The  centering  from  bottom  of  slabs  and  sides  of  beams 
and  girders  may  be  removed  after  the  concrete  has  set  for  one  week,  if  the  floor 
has  obtained  sufficient  hardness  to  sustain  the  dead  weight  of  the  said  floor.     Xo 
load  or  weight  shall  be  placed  on  any  portion  of  the  construction  until  the  con- 
crete has  fully  set  and  the  centers  have  been  removed. 

566.  Tests.)     The    contractor    for    the    reinforced    concrete    construction    shall 
make  load  tests  on  any  portion  of  the  work  within  a  reasonable  time  after  erec- 
tion, as  may  be  required  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.     Such  tests  must  be 
made  under  the  direction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  in  his  presence  or  in 
the  presence  of  his  representative,  and  must  show  that  the  construction  will  sus- 
tain a  load  twice  the  sum  of  the  live  and  dead  loads  for  which  it  was  designed, 
without  any  sign  of  failure.     The  construction  may  be  considered  as  part  of  the 
test  load.     Each  test  load  shall  cover  two  or  more  panels  and  shall  remain  in  place 
at  least  twenty-four  hours.     The  deflection  under  the  full  test  load  at  the  expira- 
tion of  twenty- four  hours  shall  not  exceed  one  eight-hundredth  of  the  span.    These 
tests  shall  be  considered  as  tests  of  workmanship  only. 

567.  Reinforced  Terra  Cotta  Hollow  Tile.)      (a)     The  term  "reinforced  hollow 
tile"  is  hereby  defined  to  mean  a  system  of  hollow  burned  clay  tile  in  combination 
with  reinforced  concrete,  in  which  combination  the  hollow  tile  may  be  used  to  resist 
compressive  and  shearing  stresses  subject  to  the  following  provisions: 

The  provisions  relating  to  reinforced  concrete  construction  shall  hold  as  far  as 
applicable  to  this  system. 

All  tile  to  be  hard  burned  terra  cotta  tile  of  uniform  quality,  free  from  shrink- 
age cracks,  with  true  beds  and  having  an  ultimate  compressive  strength  of  not 
less  than  4,000  pounds  per  square  inch  of  net  area  of  surface  tested. 

The  following  stresses  and  values  shall  not  be  exceeded.  Extreme  fibre  stress 
(compressive)  on  hollow  tile,  500  pounds  per  square  inch. 

Shearing  stress  on  hollow  tile,  200  pounds  per  square  inch. 

Adhesion  between  tile  and  1:2:4  concrete  or  1:3  cement  mortar,  40  pounds  per 
square  inch. 

Ratio  of  modulus  of  elasticity  of  steel  to  that  of  tile  with  cement  mortar 
joints,  10. 

(b)  Special  Provisions  as  to  Workmanship  in  Reinforced  Hollow  Tile  Con- 
struction.) The  hollow  tile  shall  be  thoroughly  soaked  with  water  at  the  time 
concrete  is  poured  and  be  kept  drenched  for  at  least  thirty-six  hours  afterwards. 
The  joints  between  tiles  shall  be  staggered,  buttered  and  slushed  full  of  mortar  con- 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  117 

sisting  of  one  (1)  part  of  Portland  cement  and  three  (3)  parts  of  clean,  sharp  sand, 
thoroughly  mixed. 

(c)  Terra  Cotta  Tile  Columns.)     Columns  of  solid  terra  cotta  or  of  hollow 
terra  cotta  in  which  the  sectional  area  of  the  open  holes  in  each  block  shall  not 
exceed  twenty  (20)  per  cent  of  the  gross  sectional  area  of  such  block,  may  be  used 
for  structural  purposes  provided  the  height  of  such  column  shall  not  exceed  twelve 
times  the  least  dimension. 

The  allowable  stress  shall  not  exceed  350  pounds  per  square  inch  and  shall 
be  subject  to  the  reduction  formula  given  in  Section  553  in  paragraph  f. 

All  terra  cotta  tile  used  for  construction  of  columns  shall  be  hard  burned 
terra  cotta  tile  of  uniform  quality,  free  from  shrinkage  cracks,  with  true  beds  and 
having  ultimate  compressive  strength  of  not  less  than  6,'000  pounds  per  square 
inch  of  net  area  of  cross  section  of  samples  tested. 

Mortar  used  in  setting  terra  cotta  tile  walls  and  columns  to  be  composed  of  one 
( 1 )  part  Portland  cement  and  three  ( 3 )  parts  clean,  sharp  sand,  thoroughly  mixed. 

(d)  Special   Provisions   as   to   Workmanship   in  Tile   Column   Construction.) 

All  terra  cotta  tile  must  be  thoroughly  wet  before  using  and  when  used  in  columns 
must  be  set  on  end  with  the  voids  running  vertically  and  directly  over  each  other, 
and  with  the  webs  in  direct  line  of  pressure. 

All  vertical  joints  must  stagger  and  terra  cotta  blocks  must  be  of  proper  dimen- 
sions to  meet  this  condition  as  no  broken  tile  will  be  allowed. 

All  work  to  be  set  plumb,  with  uniform  horizontal  joints,  thickness  to  average 
three-eighths  (%)  of  an  inch.  The  minimum  time  which  shall  elapse  between  the 
finishing  of  the  work  and  before  any  load  is  placed  thereon  shall  be  not  less  than 
seven  days. 

(e)  Terra  Cotta  Tile  Walls.)     Hollow  tile  may  be  used  for  building  primary 
bearing  walls,  which  are  defined  as  walls  that  may  be  used  to  receive  directly  the 
loads  from  floors  or  roofs  in  addition  to  their  acting  as  partition  walls,  provided 
the  proportion  between  thickness  of  wall  and  free  height  between  the  floors  does 
not  exceed  fifteen   (15)   and  the  load  including  the  weight  of  the  construction  does 
not  exceed  three  hundred  and  fifty   (350)    pounds  per  square  inch  of  net  sectional 
area  of  tile,  and  shall  be  of  the  thickness  specified  by  this  Chapter  for  brick  walls. 
Hollow  terra  cotta  tile  may  be  used  for  exterior  walls,  but  when  so  used  the  thick- 
ness and  height  of  the  work  must  conform  to  the  dimensions  required  for  brick 
walls  in  this  Chapter,  but  must  in  no  case  exceed  four  stories  in  height  in  any 
building.     The  thickness  of  walls  shall  be  calculated  as  the  outside  dimensions  of 
the  tile  and  each  tile  shall  be  full  thickness  of  wall.    The  thickness  of  the  plaster- 
ing is  not  to  be  included  as  a  part  of  the  thickness  of  the  wall.     Walls  having  a 
thickness  of  4  inches  may  be  used  when  the  height  does  not  exceed  five   (5)    feet. 
The  quality  of  the  tile  and  mortar  and  special  provisions  as  to  workmanship  as 
specified  for  terra  cotta  columns  shall  apply  to  terra  cotta  tile  walls. 

(f)  Terra  Cotta  Grain  Bin  Construction.)    Fireproof  storage  bin,  grain  elevators 
and  grain  warehouses  may  be  built   in  cylindrical   form  with  terra  cotta  tile  of 
such  height,  diameter  and  thickness   as   is  allowed  by  safe  engineering  practices, 
provided  that  the  material  shall  not  be  stressed  in  excess  of  the  limits  prescribed  in 
this  Chapter  for  walls  and  columns. 

568.     Cinder  Concrete.)     (a)  Cinder  concrete  construction  may  be  used  for  all 


118  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

buildings  in  which  fireproof  construction  is  mandatory  by  this  Chapter,  or  where 
ordinary  construction,  mill  construction  or  slow-burning  construction  may  be  used. 

(b)  Only   clean,    thoroughly   burnt,   steam   boiler    cinders,    free    from   matter 
other  than  cinders  may  be  used.     The  cinders  used  shall  be  of  such  size  that  they 
will  pass  through  a  one-inch  square  mesh.    Cinder  concrete  piers  or  walls  shall  not 
be  permitted  to  carry  loads  and  shall  not  be  given  credit  therefor. 

(c)  The  ultimate  compressive  strength  per  square  inch  of  cinder  concrete  shall 
be  taken   as  not  exceeding  seven  hundred   pounds.     The  ratio   of  the  modulus   of 
elasticity  of  steel  divided  by  the  modulus  of  elasticity  of  cinder  concrete  shall  be 
taken  as  thirty. 

(d)  There  shall  not  be  less  than  one  part  of  Portland  cement  to  seven  parts  of 
cinders  and  sand  of  the  grade  known  as  torpedo  sand  in  cinder  concrete.     All  other 
special  requirements  and  methods  of  calculation  for  reinforced  concrete  as  required 
in  this  Chapter  shall  modify  and  regulate  the  use  of  cinder  concrete  in  buildings. 

(e)  All  steel  and  all  metal  pipe  and  conduits  enclosed  in  cinder  concrete  shall 
be  protected  by  a  coating  of  cement  grout  or  plastered  with  good  lime  mortar  before 
the  cinder  concrete  is  placed. 

(f)  For    fireproof   construction,    the   minimum   thickness   of    cinder    concrete 
covering  on  structural  metal  shall  be  the  same  as  required  for  brick  or  concrete 
covering  for   fireproof   buildings  by  this  Chapter.     In  slow-burning  or   mill   con- 
struction buildings,  the  minimum  thickness  of  cinder  concrete  covering  on  structura 
metal  shall  be  three  inches  on  columns  and  two  inches  on  beams,  girders  and  othei 
structural  steel  or  iron  members. 

(g)  Wherever  cinder  concrete   is   used   for   the   covering  of   columns,   beams 
girders  or  other  structural  steel  members  of  a  building  the  cinder  concrete  covering 
shall  have  metal  binders,  or  wire  fabric,  imbedded  in  and   around  said  columns 
beams,  girders  or  other  structural  steel  members.     If  wire  is  used  for  said  meta 
binders,  it  shall  not  be  smaller  than  No.  8  gauge  wire  and  shall  be  spaced  no 
less  than  sixteen  inches  apart  along  the  length  of  the  steel  member  covered. 

(h)  Where  cinder  concrete  construction  is  used  for  a  building  which,  by  thi 
Chapter,  is  required  to  be  of  fireproof  construction,  all  parts  that  carry  weights  o 
resist  strains,  shall  be  made  entirely  of  incombustible  material,  and  all  metalli 
structural  members  shall  be  protected  against  the  effects  of  fire  by  cinder  con 
crete  proportioned,  mixed,  applied  and  secured  as  herein  described. 

(i)  All  other  parts  of  a  building  of  cinder  concrete  construction,  built  where 
fireproof  construction  is  mandatory  by  this  Chapter^  shall  be  built  and  made  of  the 
material  required  by  this  Chapter  for  buildings  of  fireproof  construction;  provided 
however,  that  cinder  concrete  as  described  herein,  and  of  the  same  thickness  else 
where  specified,  may  be  used  for  all  protective  covering  of  structural  metal,  aftei 
such  metal  has  been  protected  by  a  coating  of  cement  grout  or  plastered  with  goo( 
lime  mortar,  as  required  by  this  Chapter. 

SKELETON     CONSTRUCTION. 

569.  Skeleton  Construction.)  (a)  The  term  "Skeleton  Construction"  shall  apply 
to  all  buildings  wherein  all  external  and  internal  loads  and  stresses  are  transmitted 
from  the  top  of  the  building  to  the  foundations  by  a  skeleton  or  framework  of 
metal  or  reinforced  concrete. 

(b)  In  n;etal  frame  skeleton  construction  the  beams  and  girders  shall  be 
riveted  to  each  other  at  their  respective  junction  points.  If  columns  made  of  rolled 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  Ilk 

iron  or  steel  are  used,  their  different  parts  shall  be  riveted  to  each  other,  and  the 
beams  and  girders  shall  have  riveted  connections  to  unite  them  with  the  col- 
umns. If  cast  iron  columns  are  used,  each  successive  column  shall  be  bolted 
to  the  one  below  it  by  at  least  four  bolts  not  less  than  %-inch  in  diameter, 
and  the  beams  and  girders  shall  be  bolted  to  the  columns.  Bolt  holes  in  flanges 
for  connection  from  column  to  column  shall  be  drilled.  At  each  line  of  floor 
or  roof  beams,  lateral  connections  between  the  ends  of  the  beams  and  girders 
shall  be  made  in  such  manner  as  to  rigidly  connect  the  beams  and  girders  with 
each  other  in  the  direction  of  their  length. 

(c)  All  steel  trusses  shall  be  riveted  and  the  steel  work  in  buildings  more 
than  100  feet  high  and  in  a  building  whose  height  exceeds  twice  its  width  shall 
be  riveted. 

(d)  Wherever  it  is  found  impossible  to  rivet  connections  as  herein  described 
and  such  connections  are  bolted,  cold  rolled  or  turned  bolts  of  exact  fit  and  diameter 
in  reamed  holes  may  be  used  in  place  of  rivets  with  the  same  allowable  stresses 
as  field  driven  rivets. 

(e)  All    structural    members    which    are    temporarily    bolted    together    shall 
be  well  bolted  in  every  alternate  hole. 

(f)  After    the   bases    or   base   plates   and   columns  have  been    set  in   place, 
Loth  shall  be   protected  by  a   covering   of  cement   concrete   applied   direct   to   the 
metal,  measuring  not  less  than  two   and  one-half  inches  thick  from  the   extreme 
projection    of    the    metal,    filled   solid    into    all    spaces,   and   forming   a   continuous 
concrete    mass    from   the    grillage    or   other   foundations   to   an   elevation    six    feet 
above  the  floor  level  nearest  the  column  base  plate  or  column  stool. 

(g)  All  metal  shall  be  clean  and  shall  be  free  from  loose  rust  and  scale,  and 
all  metal  except  that  to  be  embedded  in  concrete  shall  be  protected  with  at  least 
two  coats  of  metal  protecting  paint. 

(h)  All  structural  details  and  workmanship  shall  be  in  accordance  with 
accepted  engineering  practice. 

(i)  All  trusses  shall  be  held  rigidly  in  position,  both  temporarily  and  per- 
manently by  efficient  lateral  and  sway  bracing. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PROVISIONS. 

570.  Porches— Verandas— Porticos— Construction   of,   Inside   Fire  Limits.)    (a) 
The  enclosing  walls  of  porches,  verandas,  or  porticos  shall  be  of  incombustible  ma- 
terial on  buildings  inside  the  fire  limits,  except  that  where  such  porches,  verandas, 
or  porticos  constitute  part  of  a  storm  house  or  of  a  storm  door  enclosure,  they  may 
be  of   combustible   material,    providing,   that   they  be  not   more  than   twelve   feet 
high,  nor   occupy  a  greater   frontage  than  two  feet  more   than   the  width  of  the 
inner  doors  protected  by  such   storm  enclosure. 

(b)  On  buildings  more  than  three  stories  in  height,  porches  hereafter  erected, 
if  of  combustible  material,  shall  not  exceed  one  story  in  height.  Where  porches  of 
incombustible  material  are  continuous  and  extend  fifty  feet  or  more  across  the 
rear  of  buildings,  there  shall  be  a  partition  of  incombustible  material  separating 
each  fifty  feet  of  porch  from  the  adjacent  porch. 

571.  Tanks  on  Roofs— Permits— Fees.)     It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person, 


120  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

firm  or  corporation  to  construct),  maintain  or  allow,  or  permit  to  remain  in  or  upon 
the  roof  of  any  building  in  the  city,  any  tank  of  a  larger  capacity  than  four  hun- 
dred gallons,  unless  such  tank  shall  rest  upon  a  good  and  sufficient  foundation  of 
solid  brick  or  stone  masonry,  or  upon  iron  girders  set  on  steel  plates  which  rest 
upon  a  good  and  sufficient  foundation  of  solid  brick  or  stone  masonry,  or  upon 
iron  or  steel  construction.  No  tank  of  a  capacity  exceeding  four  hundred  gallons 
shall  be  constructed  in  or  upon  any  building  without  first  submitting  for  the  ap- 
proval of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  a  complete  set  of  plans,  showing  the  con- 
struction in  detail  of  the  supports  and  foundations  of  such  tank.  If  such  plans 
shall  be  satisfactory  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  they  shall  be  approved  by 
him.  The  owner  or  his  agent  or  the  contractor  erecting  such  tank  shall,  before 
proceeding  with  the  erection  of  such  tank,  procure  from  the  Department  of  Build- 
ings a  permit  for  the  sub-structure  work,  for  which  permit  a  fee  of  five  dollars 
shall  be  charged. 

572.  Door  and  Window  Openings,  When  Protected  in  Buildings  of  Classes  I,  II,  IV, 
V,  VII  and  VIII— Iron  Doors— Wired  Glass  Set  in  Metal  Frames.)  (a)  Where  the 
distance  from  door  and  window  openings  in  buildings  of  Classes  I,  II,  IV,  V,  VII 
and  VIII  is  less  than  thirty  (30)  feet  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  established 
alley  line  and  where  the  windows  and  doors  of  two  or  more  areas  of  the  same 
building  which  is  required  to  be  separated  by  dividing  walls  by  this  chapter,  are 
on  a  court,  every  such  window  and  door,  distant  less  than  thirty  feet  from  another 
window  or  door  of  another  such  area  and  where  also  the  doors  and  window  open- 
ings are  within  fifteen  ( 15 )  feet  of  an  inside  lot  line,  such  openings  shall  be  pro- 
vided with  windows  and  doors  constructed  of  wired  glass  set  in  metal  frames  and 
sash;  provided,  further,  that  doors  may  be  automatic  rolling  steel  shutters  or  steel 
plate  doors  or  metal-clad  wood  doors,  and  further  provided  that  at  least  one  of 
the  first  or  ground  floor  doors  must  be  a  swinging  door. 

(b)  Where  iron  doors  are  used  to  fulfill  the  requirements  of  this  section  they 
shall  be  made  of  sheet  iron  or  steel,  of  not  less  than  No.  14  U.  S.  gauge  metal,  and 
shall  lap  the  wall  at  least  one-half  inch  all  around  the  openingj,  and  the  bottom 
shall  fit  the  sill  closely  where  it  is  not  practicable  to  lap  it.     The  frames  and 
crossbars  shall  be  made  of  one-and-one-half  by  one-and-one-half  by  one-fourth  inch 
angles  and  in  no  case  shall  there  be  less  than  two  crossbars,  and  where  the  doors  are 
over  six  feet  high,  such  crossbars  shall  be  spaced  not  more  than  two  feet  apart. 
•Lever  bars  shall  be  made  of  one  and  one-half  by  three-eighths  inch  iron,  extending  at 
least  one-third  of  the  distance  across  the  opposite  leaf.     The  number  and  spacing 
of  such  lever  bars  shall  be  the  same  as  the  crossbars.     Where  hinges  are  used  they 
shall  be  made  of  two  by  one-fourth  inch  iron,  extending  at  least  three-fourths  of 
the  way  across  the  door.    The  number  and  spacing  of  such  hinges  shall  be  the  same 
as  is  required  for  the  crossbars.    Pin  bolt  or  eyes  shall  be  one-half  inch  round  and 
shall  be  securely  fastened  to  the  building. 

(c)  Where  metal  frames  and  wired  glass  are  used  to  fulfill  the  requirements 
of  this  section,  the  glazed  portion  of  the  frames  and  sash  shall  be  set  with  fire- 
resisting  glass  such  as  is  elsewhere  herein  defined.     The  unsupported  area  of  the 
glass  shall  be  in  neither  width  nor  length  greater  than  forty-eight  inches  or  ex- 
ceed seven  hundred  and  twenty   (720)   square  inches  in  any  one  pane  of  glass.     The 
glass  must  be  supported  by  frames  and  sashes.    The  wired  glass  shall  be  retained  by 
the  structural  part  of  the  frame  or  sash  independently  of  material  used  for  water- 
proof purposes  and  only  non -inflammable  material  shall  be  used  in  setting  glass  in 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  121 

the  sash.  Frames  shall  be  of  such  form  as  to  be  retained  by  the  walls  either  with 
flanges  of  at  least  one  inch  in  width  or  by  hooks  of  proper  length  securely  driven 
into  the  wall  or  by  means  of  extending  wings  flush  with  the  brickwork  and  se- 
curely spiked  to  the  wall.  Frames  shall  be  made  of  galvanized  iron  of  not  less 
than  No.  24  gauge  metal,  and  of  a  quality  soft  enough  to  permit  all  necessary  bending 
without  breaking,  or  they  may  also  be  constructed  of  not  less  than  20-ounce  copper, 
or  other  metal  of  equal  strength  and  durability  and  which  will  not  melt  at  a  lower 
temperature  than  copper.  All  joints  shall  be  made  with  interlocking  seams.  They 
shall  be  securely  riveted  together,  and  in  no  cass  shall  solder  be  used.  Grooves  and 
rabbets  shall  be  at  least  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  depth  and  the  actual  bear- 
ing of  the  glass  shall  be  at  least  five-eighths  of  an  inch.  The  head  of  the  frame 
shall  be  closed  at  the  top  and  the  piece  forming  this  closure  shall  be  securely  fast- 
ened to  each  side  at  all  points.  The  sill  shall  be  filled  with  concrete  or  other 
incombustible  material.  Movable  sash  shall  have  stiles  and  rails  of  the  thickness 
and  width  of  at  least  one  and  three-quarters  inches  and  shall  be  securely  fastened 
together  at  each  corner  and  so  constructed  that  they  will  correspond  in  construc- 
tion with  the  frame  at  the  point  of  contact. 

(d)  Lifting  or  sliding  sash  shall  be  counterweighted  so  as  to  balance.     The 
sash  weights  shall  be  properly  separated  by  parting  strips  in  the  boxes  containing 
them,  and  shall  be  accessible  through  the  jambs  of  the  frame.     Such  sash  shall  be 
provided  with  metallic  sash  chain  or  cable  and  smooth  running  sash  pulleys  securely 
riveted  or  bolted  in  place.     The  sash  chain  or  cable  shall  be  of  sufficient  strength 
to   withstand  severe   heat   without   parting,   and  be   thoroughly  protected   against 
moisture   and  corrosion.     The   sash   shall   be   fitted  into   the   frame   with  suitable 
stops  and  parting  beads  of  metal.     Sash  shall  be  removable.     Meeting  rails  of  the 
sash  shall  be  so  constructed  as  to  prevent  the  passage  of  heat  and  flame.     The 
sash  shall  be  equipped  with  one  or  more  substantial  sash  locks  securely  riveted  or 
bolted  in  place. 

(e)  Horizontally  pivoted  sash  shall  be  riveted  above  the  center  on  steel  pivots 
at  least  three-eighths  inch  in  diameter.     Pivots  shall  work  in  brass  eye  plates  se- 
curely  riveted   in   place.     Frames   shall   be   reinforced   where  the   pivots  enter   by 
riveting  on  one-eighth  inch  iron   strips,  so  drilled  as  to  receive  the  pivots.     Such 
sash  must  be  provided  with  suitable  stops  and  an  effective  attachment  for  holding 
them  open  or  closed.     Such  sash  shall  be  provided  with  a  substantial  gravity  lock 
or  latch  at  top  and  bottom  which  will  be  positive  in  action.     Where  the  lower 
sash  is  stationary  or  where  two- pivoted  sash  are  used  the  transom  bar  dividing  the 
upper  from  the  lower  sash  shall  be  so  constructed  that  it  will  not  warp  or  bulge 
materially  under  heat  or  rapid  cooling.     Where  rails  and  transom  bars  are  used 
they  shall  be  made  so  as  not  to  be  easily  affected  by  rust  and  so  as  to  afford  ample 
weatherproof  qualities. 

(f)  Vertically  pivoted  sash  shall  comply  generally  with  the  requirements  for 
horizontally  pivoted  sash.    If  the  entire  window  is  pivoted  in  one  sash,  such  sash 
must  be  constructed  in  such  manner  as  to  afford  stiffness,  and  in  such-  manner  as 
to  prevent  warping  under  heat. 

(g)  Hinge  sash  or  casement  windows  must  be  hinged  with  heavy  brass  hinges 
and  a  substantial  brass  latch  or  lock  securely  bolted  in  place.     Such  sash  shall  be 
constructed  so  as  to  fit  the  frame  closely  and  afford  ample  weatherproof  qualities 
at  all  points.     They  shall  be  provided  with  stops  and  fastenings  necessary  to  pre- 
vent warping  under  heat. 


122  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

(h)  Where  the  area  of  wall  openings  is  in  excess  of  5  by  9  feet,  the  metal 
frames  containing  the  sash  or  glass  must  be  reinforced  at  every  point  of  division 
by  not  less  than  five-inch  "I"  beams  securely  fastened  into  the  brickwork,  proper 
allowance  being  made  for  expansion  of  the  beams  when  heated.  UI"  beams  shall  be 
protected  on  the  flanges  with  at  least  two  inches  of  tile,  concrete,  or  other  material 
approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and  next  to  the  web  with  at  least 
two  and  one-half  inches  of  such  material,  which  thickness  shall  be  increased  on 
large  beams.  Metal  frames  shall  be  securely  attached  to  the  reinforcing  members. 

(i)  Electro-glazed  prism  glass  may  be  used  in  lieu  of  wired  glass,  when  ap- 
proved by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  as  to  material  and  construction  of  same, 
providing  the  frames  and  sash  of  same  comply  with  the  requirements  of  this  sec- 
tion for  wired  glass  window  frames  and  sash. 

(j)  This  section  shall  not  apply  to  frame  buildings1  nor  to  buildings  outside  the 
fire  limits  twenty-eight  hundred  square  feet  or  less  in  area,  nor  to  buildings  of 
Class  I,  one  story  in  height,  nor  to  buildings  of  Class*  II  not  more  than  two  stories 
in  height,  nor  to  store  windows  in  the  first  story,  where  the  same  are  located  on 
an  alley  and  not  more  than  sixteen  feet  from  the  street. 

573.  Dividing  Walls  and  Iron  Doors — Openings  Inserted.)  (a)  Wherever  open- 
ings are  to  be  inserted  in  dividing  walls,  as  before  described,  or  in  dividing  walls 
between  non-fireproof  and  fireproof  buildings,  or  parts  of  either  of  such  buildings, 
they  shall  be  made  as  follows: 

(b)  Such  doors  may  be  either  sliding  doors  or  swinging  doors,  and  shall  be  so 
constructed,  installed  and  maintained  that  they  can  be  easily  opened  or  closed  from 
either  side  at  all  times  by  any  person;  provided,  however,  rolling  steel  shutters  may 
be  used  when  such  openings  are  not  used  as  exits. 

(c)  Every   such   door   shall   be   equipped   with   a   device    containing  a   fusible 
Jink    or  other  releasing   arrangement   of   equal   efficiency,   approved   by   the    Com- 
missioner of  Buildings.     There  shall  be  one  of  these  immediately  above  the  door 
opening  and  one  above  the  opening  near  the  ceiling.     Where  the  ceiling  is  less 
than  three  feet  above  the  door  opening,  the  last  mentioned  fusible  link  or  re- 
leasing device  may  be  omitted,  if  the  doors  are  so  arranged  that  the  operation  of 
any  one  of  the  thermostats,  or  other  releasing  devices,  will  result  in  the  closing 
of  the  doors   on  both   sides   of  the  walls.     Fusible  links,  or   other   approved  sub- 
stitute, shall  be  made  so  that  they  will  fuse  or  operate  when  subjected  to  a  heat  of 
160  to  165  degrees  Fahrenheit.    If  said  doors  are  of  steel  plate,  the  plate  or  plates 
shall  be  of  No.  12  U.   S.  gauge  or  greater  thickness,  with  a  continuous   two  by 
two  by  three-eighths   inch   angle   iron   frame   extending  all   around  the   same  and 
two  by  two  by  three-eighths  inch  panel  bars  not  exceeding  twenty-four  inches  apart, 
rivtted»to  the  plate  of  the  door  with  not  4ess  than  three-eighths  inch  rivets  spaced 
four  inches  to  six  inches  between  centers.    Pairs  of  swinging  doors  shall  be  so  con- 
structed that  when  the  doors  are  closed,  they  will  be  of  strength  equal  to  that  of  a 
single  door,  and  shall  be  so  arranged  that  they  will  operate  automatically.     All 
doors  shall  be  hung  on  wall  frames  of  four  by  three  by  three-eighths  inch  angle 
iron  or  of  four  by  three-eighths  inch  bar  iron  stiffened  by  one-and-one-half  by  one- 
and-one-half  by  one-fourth  inch  angles  riveted  on  the  back  and  fitting  snugly  to 
the  wall.    The  frame  shall  be  fastened  together  by  three-fourths  inch  bolts  extend- 
ing through  the  wall,  such  bolts  being  not  more  than  two  feet  apart.    All  doors  to 
be  made  to  fit  closely  to  the  wall  frame  on  all  sides.    Lintels  of  door  openings  shall 
be 'made  of  brick,  iron  or  concrete. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  123 

t(d)   Swinging  iron  doors  shall  swing  on  three  wrought  iron  hinges  made  of  two 
/  three-eighths  inch  bar  iron  anrl  shall  be  secured  by  at  least  three  lever  bars  of 
one-and-one-half  by  three-eighths  inch  iron,  working  together  and  so  arranged  as  to 
he  operated  on  either  side  of  the  door. 

(e)  Sliding  iron  doors  shall  slide  in  channels  at  the  top  and  bottom;  bottom 
channels  shall  be  formed  by  two  angles  two  and  one-half  by  three-eighths  inch  and 
one-find-one-half  by  one-fourth  inch;  top  channels  to  be  formed  by  two  angles  two 
by  three-eighths  inch  and  one-and-one-half  by  one-fourth  inch;   channels  shall  be 
securely  riveted  or  bolted  through  the  wall  frame  and  where  they  extend  beyond 
the  wall  frame  shall  be  firmly  bolted  to  the  wall  by  expansion  bolts.     Track  shall 
be  without  incline,  of  one-half  by  one-half  inch  iron  securely  riveted  on  the  upper 
side  of  the  angle  iron  channel.     Hangers  shall  be  of  the  anti-friction  pattern  and 
securely  fastened  to  the  door  plate  by  at  least  four  one-half  inch  bolts.     Wheels 
shall  be  of  cast  iron  three-fourths  by  four  and  one-half  inches. 

(f)  Sills  between  iron  doors  shall  be  of  one-fourth  inch  iron  or  steel  with  edges 
securely  fastened  to  one-and-one-half  by  one-and-one-half  by  one-fourth  inch  angle 
iron  or  heavier,  on  the  inner  side  of  the  wall  frame.     Where  adjoining  floors  are 
of  concrete  construction,  sill  plates  may  be  omitted. 

(g)  When  tin-clad  doors  are  used  they  shall  be  made  of  three  thicknesses  of 
thirteen-sixteenths  inch   seasoned,  non-resinous  wood,  of  good  sound  quality,  free 
irom  sap  and  large  or  loose  knots,  tongued  and  grooved,  dressed  on  both  sides  and 
not  exceeding  eight  inches  in  width.     The  outside  layers  shall  be  vertical,  the  in- 
side layer  shall  be  horizontal;  layers  shall  be  securely  fastened  together  by  wrought 
iron  clinch  nail's  driven  in  flush  and  clinched  so  as  to  leave  smooth  surfaces.     The 
woodwork  shall  be  thoroughly  covered  with  terne  plate   tin  of  size   fourteen  by 
twenty  inches,  weighing  not  less  than  one  hundred  and  thirteen  pounds  per  box  of 
one  hundred  and  twelve  sheets;  all  joints  shall  be  locked  one-half  inch  and  nailed 
under  seams,  except  on  edges  of  door;  vertical  joints  shall  be  double  locked,  hori- 
zontal joints  single  locked.     Nails  used  to  fasten  tin  shall  be  No.  13  gauge,  flat 
head,  full  barbed  wire,  two  inches  long. 

(h)  Swinging  tin-clad  doors  shall  have  three-eighths  by  two  and  one-half  inch 
wrought  iron  hinges  bolted  to  doors  with  four  %-inch  bolts.  Doors  in  excess  of 
seven  feet  in  height  shall  be  provided  with  three  hinges  and  have  wrought  iron  wall 
eyes  built  in  wall,  or  riveted  to  wall  frame,  or  bolted  through  wall  with  three- 
fourths  inch  bolts.  They  shall  have  at  least  three  level  bars  of  one-and-one-half  by 
three-eighths  inch  iron  working  together;  the  latch  shall  be  placed  so  it  can  be 
operated  from  either  side  of  the  door  and  provided  with  proper  keepers  bolted 
through  the  door,  with  the  spring  to  insure  latching;  catches  shall  be  made  of  one- 
half  inch  wrought  iron  securely  bolted  to  wall  or  wall  frame. 

(i)  Sliding  tin-clad  doors  shall  have  tracks  inclined  three- fourths  inch  to 
the  foot,  made  of  three  and  one-half  by  three-eighths  inch  rolled  steel,  or  round 
bars,  or  round  pipes  of  equal  strength,  securely  bolted  through  wall  with  three- 
fourths  inch  bolts.  Hangers  shall  be  made  of  three-eighths  by  three  and  one-half 
inci  wrought  iron  attached  by  not  less  than  one-inch  bolts.  Wheels  shall  be  of 
malleable  or  wrought  iron  with  not  less  than  one-and-one-half  inches  bearing  on 
axle.  Doors  over  six  feet  wide  shall  have  three  hangers  and  shall  be  provided  with 
necessary  binders,  chafing  strips,  bumpers  and  bumper  shoes. 

(j)  Sills  between  tin-clad  doors  shall  be  of  one-fourth  inch  iron  or  steel  riv- 
eted to  a  three-and-one-half  by  five  by  three-eighths  inch  angle  iron  on  each  side 
of  the  wall;  angle  irons  to  be  fastened  together  through  the  wall  by  three-fourths 


124  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

incli  bolts  spaced  not  to  exceed  eighteen  inches  apart;  provided,  that  where  ad- 
joining floors  are  of  concrete  construction,  sill  plates  may  be  omitted. 

(k)  Rolling  steel  doors  used  as  dividing  wall  doors  shall  be  made  either  of 
wooden  slats  covered  with  steel  or  bronze,  or  of  number  20  U.  S.  gauge  painted 
steel,  or  of  number  24  U.  S.  gauge  galvanized  steel.  The  edges  of  such  doors  shall 
run  in  steel  channels  not  less  than  one  and  one-half  inches  deep,  and  three- six- 
teenths of  an  inch  in  thickness. 

(1)  Such  doors  shall  be  hung  on  winding  shafts  and  helical  springs  of  suf- 
ficient strength  to  counterbalance  the  door  at  any  position,  and  shall  be  equipped 
with  a  device  to  hold  the  doors  in  a  closed  position  if  the  spring  is  destroyed.  The 
head  of  the  door  opening  shall  have  baffleplates  of  number  12  U.  S.  gauge  steel, 
which  shall  be  reinforced  around  the  edges  by  one  and  one-half  inch  angles,  to  act 
as  fire  and  smoke  stops.  The  openings  for  such  doors  shall  have  steel  frames  and 
sills  as  herein  required  for  steel  swinging  doors. 

574.  Metal  or  Reinforced  Concrete  Chimneys  in  Fireproof  Buildings — Air  Space.) 
(a)    Internal  chimneys  of  rolled  steel  or  iron  may  be  built  in  buildings  of  fire- 
proof construction,  provided  that  the  rolled  steel  shall  be  not  less  than  three-eighths 
inch  in  thickness,  except  that  the  upper  fifty  feet  of  such  chimney  may  be  one 
quarter  of  an  inch  in  thickness,  riveted  in  every  joint,  or  of  cast  iron,  providing 
same  shall  not  be  less  than  three-fourths  inch  in  thickness  and  jointed  by  bell  and 
spigot  joints  or  flanged  bolted  joints.     All  joints  in  cast  iron  work  shall  be  filled 
and  pointed  with  fire  clay.     Such  metal  internal  chimneys  shall  be  securely  and 
firmly  anchored  to  the  framing  of  such  fireproof  building  at  each  floor  line  and  at 
the  roof.    The  lower  part  of  each  such  chimney  shall  be  lined  with  insulating  lining 
for   the   height   herein   required   for   the   respective    area   by    Section    645    of   this 
Chapter.    The  insulating  lining  shall  be  one  of  the  linings  described  in  Section  580 
of  this  Chapter. 

(b)  Re-inforced  concrete  not  less  than  four  inches  in  thickness  may  be  used  on 
the  interior  of  fireproof  buildings,  provided  the  requirements  for  re-inforced  con- 
crete and  for  re-inforced  concrete  stacks  elsewhere  required  by  this  Chapter  shall 
be  complied  with. 

(c)  Internal  metal  or  re-inforced  concrete  stacks  on  fireproof  buildings  shall  be 
surrounded  by  continuous  air  space  from  the  lowest  story  through  the  roof  not 
less  than  four  inches  across  at  any  point,  and  said  air  space  shall  be  surrounded 
by  brick,  hollow  tile,  or  re-inforced  concrete.    No  structural  metal  in  such  air  space 
shall  be  without  such  fireproof  covering. 

575.  Reinforced   Concrete  Chimneys — How  Built.)     Reinforced  concrete  chim- 
neys  in  which  the  temperature   of   the   gases   is   intended  to   exceed   750   degrees 
Fahrenheit,  shall  be  lined  with  fire  brick  or  magnesia  or  asbestos  insulating  lining 
for  the  height  and  in  the  manner  elsewhere  required  by  this  Chapter.     If  the  in- 
sulating is  stopped  anywhere  below  the  top  of  a  re-inforced  concrete  chimney  or 
if  the  cross  section  of  such  a  chimney  is  changed,  then  the  re-inforcing  shall  be 
increased  at  such  points  sufficiently  to  prevent  the  formation  of  temperature  cracks 

576.  Tenement  and  Apartment  House  Boiler  Chimneys.)     Chimneys  for  the 
heating  apparatus  of  tenement  and  apartment  houses  shall  not  be  considered  as 
flues  used  for  domestic  purposes. 

577.  Height  of  Chimneys  Above  Roof.)    (a)  The  height  of  all  chimneys  and  flues 
of  stoves  used  for  domestic  purposes  or  open  fire  places  shall  be  not  less  than  five 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  125 

feet  higher  than  the  highest  point  of  the  roof  of  the  building  of  which  they  are 
a  part. 

(b)  The  height  of  all  chimneys  and  flues  above  the  highest  portion  of  the  roof 
of  which  they  are  a  part,  where  such  chimneys  or  flues  are  used  for  other  than 
domestic  purposes  or  for  open  fire  places,  shall  be  determined  by  dividing  the  great- 
est diameter  in  inches  by  four,  and  the  quotient  thereby  obtained  in  terms  of  feet, 
with  five  feet  added,  shall  be  the  minimum  height  from  the  tops  of  such  chimneys 
and  flues  above  the  highest  portion  of  roof  of  the  building.     In  no  case  shall  the 
height  of  any  chimney  or  flue  be  less  than  five  feet  above  the  roof  of  the  building 
of  which  it  is  a  part. 

(c)  The  sum  of  the  horizontal  distance  of  any  wood  tank,  pent  house  or  roof 
house,  on  the  same  building  of  which  any  chimney  shall  be  a  part,  and  the  ver- 
tical distance  of  top  of  such  wood  tank,  pent  house,  or  roof  house,  on  the  same 
building  to  a  horizontal  plane  passed  through  the  top  of  the  chimney  shall  not 
be  less  than  one  and  one-half  times  the  required  height  of  the  top  of  the  chim- 
ney above  the  roof.     The  tops  of  chimneys   within  a  radius  of  twenty-five  feet 
of  any  wood  tank,  pent  house,  or  roof  house,  on  the  same  building  of  which  such 
chimney  shall  be  a  part  shall  be  at  least  as  high  as  the  top  of  said  wood  tank, 
pent  house,  or  roof  house.     The  tops  of  chimneys  on  ridge  roofs  shall  be  not  less 
than  three  feet  above  the  ridge. 

578.  Insulating  Cavities — Where  Required.)     All  flues  having  a  greater  area 
than  four  hundred  square  inches  shall  be  lined  on  the  inside  with  an  insulating 
material,  which  lining  shall  start  at  least  two  feet  below  the  smoke  inlet  and  shall 
extend  upwards  for  at  least  ten  times  the  diameter  of  the  flue,  or  if  said  flue  is 
not  circular  or  square  in  cross  section  for  ten  times  the  average  diameter,  when 
the  flues  are  of  brick,  stone  or  concrete,  said  insulating  lining  shall  be  fire  clay 
brick  or  fire  clay  blocks,  and  if   such  bricks  or  blocks   are  four  inches   or  more 
in  thickness,  they  may  be  considered  as  a  portion  of  the  thickness  required  for  the 
surrounding  walls.    The  walls  surrounding  chimneys  having  an  area  greater  than 
four  hundred   square  inches  shall  have  an   insulating  cavity   not  less   than   three 
inches  wide  surrounding  the  inner  four  inches  of  fire  brick  or  fire  clay  blocks,  for 
not  less  than  the  height  required  above  for  insulating  lining  and  said  inner  core 
shall  be   built  independent  of  the   surrounding  brick   work  and   shall  be   free   to 
expand  or  contract. 

579.  Metal  Chimneys  in  Buildings  of  Ordinary,  Slow-Burning  or  Mill  Construc- 
tion.)   Interior  stacks  or  smoke  flues  of  metal  shall  not  be  used  in  buildings  of 
ordinary  or  slow  burning  or  mill  construction,  unless  they  are  surrounded  by  self- 
supporting  brick  or  re-inforced  concrete  walls  of  the  thickness  herein  required  for 
flues  of  the  respective  area;  provided,  however,  that  if  an  interior  smoke  pipe  of 
steel  of  not  less  than  three-eighths  inch  in  thickness  riveted  in  every  joint,  or  an 
interior   smoke   pipe   of   cast    iron   not   less    than   five-eighths   inch   in   thickness   is 
used,  then  the  brick  work  required  inside  of  the  insulating  cavity  of  a  stack  may 
be  omitted,  but   such  metal  linings   shall  be  lined  with  such  insulating  material 
for  the  height  herein  elsewhere  required  for  stacks.  If  a  chimney  or  stack  is  not 
a  part  of  the  walls  of  such  a  building,  it  shall  be  designed  as  an  isolated  chim- 
ney as  required  by  Section  583  of  this  Chapter. 

580.  Insulating  Material  for  Metal  Chimneys  and  Metal  stacks.)  (a)  Fire  clay 
brick  or  fire  clay  blocks  may  be  used  for  the  insulating  lining  of  metal  chimneys 
and  stacks  but  not  of  a  lesser  thickness  than  two  inches.  The  material  shall  bp 


126  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

increased  in  thickness .  or  supported  on  structural  steel  ledges  and  the  material 
shall  be  stressed  not  to  exceed  the  safe  limits  of  stress  elsewhere  herein  fixed  for 
the  material,  or  metal  chimneys  and  metal  stacks  may  be  lined  with  blocks  of 
magnesia  insulation  or  with  fused  asbestos  board  insulation,  or  metal  stacks  or 
chimneys  may  be  lined  with  any  other  insulating  material  tested  and  approved 
by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(b)  Magnesia  block  insulation  shall'  contain  not  less  than  45  per  cent  of  mag- 
nesia and  50  per  cent  asbestos  fibre  formed  into  blocks  not  less  than  iy2  inches  in 
thickness  by  hydraulic  pressure.     After  said  magnesia  blocks  have  been  set,  they 
and  all  metal  bands  and  ties  exposed  with  the  flue  shall  be  plastered  with  cement 
not  less  than  one-half  inch  in  thickness  on  one-half  inch  blocks,  and  one-fourth 
inch  in  thickness  on  one  and  three-fourths  inch  and  thicker  blocks. 

(c)  Fused  asbestos  board  shall  be  made  of  alternate  flat  and  corrugated  sheets 
of  asbestos  board,  cemented  together  and  fused  under  a  heat  not  less  than  1,000 
degrees  Fahrenheit  to  a  minimum  thickness  of  1*4  inches.     After  said  fused  as- 
bestos boards  have  been  set  into  the  flues,  they  and  all  exposed  metal  bands  or 
ties  shall  be  pointed  with  cement. 

(d)  Such  magnesia  block,   fused  asbestos   boards,   pointing  cement   and  any 
other  insulating  material  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  resist  the 
disintegrating,  dissolving,  or  diminishing  action  of  moist  steam  and  the  acid  and 
gaseous  fumes  present  in  the  flue  at  any  degree  of  heat  obtainable  by  the  combus- 
tion of  the  fuel  used. 

581.  Chimneys — Interior — Framing   Around.)     In   case    of   chimneys   which   are 
enclosed,  or  form  part  of  the  interior  of  any  building,  no  joists  or  girders  shall 
rest  or  be  supported  on  the  walls  of  such  chimney,  and  the  framing  around  chimneys 
of  all  kinds  shall  be  so  constructed  that  in  no  case  will  any  joists  or  timbers  be 
placed  nearer  than  two  inches  from  the  outside  face  of  walls  of  flues,  and  in  no 
case  shall  the  distance  from  the  inside  of  any  flue  to  any  joists  or  timbers  be  less 
than  seven  inches. 

582.  Chimneys — External  Location  of.)     (a)    Chimneys  built  outside  of  the 
waUs  of  buildings  shall  not  encroach  upon  any  street  or  alley,  and  shall  be  built  as 
follows : 

(b)  If  at  least  one  side  of  such  chimney  abuts  entirely  upon  the  wall  of  an 
existing  building  and  the  chimney  is  throughout  its  entire  length  securely  and 
firmly  anchored  to  the  walls  of  such  existing  building,  the  wall  of  such  chimney 
may  be  built  of  hollow  tiles,  in  which  case,  however,  it  shall  have  a  cast  iron  base, 
lined  with  fire  brick,  extending  to  a  height  of  at  least  ten  feet  above  the  street 
or  alley  grade. 

583.  Chimneys — Isolated — Walls  Surrounding  Smoke  Flues.)     Isolated  chim- 
neys shall  be  so  designed  and  constructed  that  the  stress  in  every  part  thereof,  due 
to  the  weight  of  the  stack  itself  and  from  wind  pressure,  shall  not  exceed  the  safe 
limits  as  provided  in  this  Chapter  for  the  material  used. 

*584.     Walls  Forming  Smoke  Flues.)     The  walls  forming  smoke  flues  of  one 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3996,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  127 

hundred  and  forty-four  square  inches  area  or  less  shall  be  of  brick,  concrete,  stone, 
or  of  any  one  of  these  and  burnt  fire-clay  flue  tile  lining,  and  such  flue  linings  shall 
extend  from  the  lowest  opening  to  a  distance  of  at  least  two  feet  above  the 
roof  joists.  If  only  one  of  the  above  materials  is  used  it  shall  not  be  less  than 
eight  inches  in  thickness.  Provided,  however,  that  such  flues  having  walls  at 
least  three  inches  in  thickness  of  continuous  concrete  or  interlocking  or 
rabbeted  joint  concrete  .sectional  flues  ^may  be  used  without  burnt  fire-clay 
flue  tile  linings.  If  any  one  of  the  above  materials  is  used  in  combination  with 
burnt  fire-clay  flue  tile  lining  it  shall  be  not  less  than  four  inches  in  thickness, 
and  the  burnt  fire-clay  flue  lining  shall  be  not  less  than  three-fourths  inch  in 
thickness,  and  built  as  herein  described.  The  walls  forming  smoke  flues  of  more 
than  one  hundred  and  forty-four  square  inches  area  and  not  more  than  three  hun- 
dred square  inches  area  shall  be  of  brick,  concrete,  stone,  or  any  of  these  and 
burnt  fire-clay  flue  tile  lining.  If  any  of  the  above  materials  is  used  alone,  it 
shall  be  not  less  than  thirteen  inches  in  thickness.  If  any  one  is  used  in  combination 
with  burnt  clay  flue  tile  lining,  it  shall  be  not  less  than  nine  inches  in  thickness  and 
the  fire-clay  flue  tile  lining  shall  not  be  less  than  three-fourths  inch  in  thickness  and 
built  as  herein  required.  The  walls  forming  flues  having  an  area  greater  than 
three  hundred  square  inches  and  less  than  six  hundred  square  inches  shall  be 
built  of  one  of  the  materials  described  above  not  less  than  twelve  inches  in  thickness, 
and  flues  having  an  area  greater  than  six  hundred  square  inches  shall  have  walls 
of  one  of  the  materials  described  above  not  less  than  sixteen  inches  in  thickness,  and 
these  walls  may  be  reduced  to  twelve  inches  in  thickness  at  a  point  not  less  than 
fifty  feet  above  the  top  of  the  breeching;  provided,  however,  that  the  material  of 
which  all  chimneys  are  constructed  shall  be  so  proportioned  that  it  will  not  be 
subjected  to  a  greater  stress  than  elsewhere  herein  fixed  as  the  maximum  safe  stress 
for  such  material. 

585.  Ventilating  Ducts  —  Chutes  —  Walls  Forming.)     Walls  forming  ventilat- 
ing   ducts    and    rubbish    and    ash    chutes    shall    be     constructed    in    accordance 
with  the  regulations   governing   the   construction  of   smoke   flues  elsewhere   herein 
contained.    Walls  forming  ventilating  ducts  shall  not  be  less  than  four  inches  thick, 
and  when  the  ventilating  duct  is  larger  than  two  hundred  and  sixty  square  inches 
the  walls  shall  be  not  less  than  eight  inches  thick. 

586.  Smoke  Pipes  Passing  Through  Partitions — Woodwork  Around.)  (a)  Where 
smoke  pipes  of  diameter  of  six  inches  or  less  pass  horizontally  through  a  wood  or  a 
plastered  stud  partition,  they  shall  be  surrounded  by  a  ventilated  thimble  of  incom- 
bustible material  with  a  diameter  at  least  twelve  inches  greater  than  the  diameter 
of  the  pipe. 

(b)  Where  a  smoke  pipe  of  a  greater  diameter  than  six  inches  passes  through  a 
wood  or  plastered  stud  partition,  it  shall  be  surrounded  either  by  a  body  of  brick, 
hollow  tile,  porous  terra  cotta  or  other  incombustible  substance,  measuring  at  least 
eight  inches  all  around  such  smoke  pipe.  Smoke  pipes  of  less  diameter  than  twelve 
inches  shall  be  kept  at  least  twelve  inches  distant  from  any  combustible  partition, 
ceiling  or  floor,  and  such  woodwork  immediately  over  and  for  a  distance  of  two  feet 
on  each  side  of  such  smoke  pipe  shall  be  covered  with  sheet  metal  or  with  porous 
terra  cotta,  hollow  tile  or  plaster. 

(c)  Smoke  pipes  of  greater  diameter  than  twelve  inches  and  less  area  than  six 
square  feet,  shall  be  kept  at  least  twenty  inches  away  from  any  woodwork.  Such 
woodwork  shall  be  protected  as  above  specified  for  smaller  smoke  pipes  to  a  distance 


128  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

of  four  feet  on  each  side  of  such  smoke  pipe;  provided,  that  in  case  of  low  pres- 
sure boilers  used  for  heating  purposes  only,  the  distance  from  a  smoke  pipe  to  any 
woodwork  shall  not  be  less  than  two  feet. 

(d)  Whenever  smoke  pipes  of  larger  area  than  six  square  feet  are  used,  they 
shall  be  kept  at  least  three  feet  distant  from  any  woodwork,  and  such  woodwork 
for  a  distance  of  at  least  six  feet  on  either  side  of  such  smoke  pipes  shall  he  pro- 
tected as  before  specified  for  smaller  pipes. 

587.  Floors — Protection  of — Around  Boilers,  Furnaces,  Etc.)     Wherever  steam 
boilers,    furnaces,   ovens^    coffee    roasters,    or    other    structures    in   which    fires    are 
maintained,  except  stoves  for  domestic  purposes  standing  on  legs  and  affording  not 
less  than  four  inches  air  space,  are  set  inside  of  a  building,  the  floors  under  the 
same  if  not  already  fireproof,  shall  be  taken  out  and  replaced  by  a  floor  of  fire- 
proof material  extending  not  less  than  six  feet  in  each  direction  from  the  boiler  or 
such  other  appliances. 

588.  Ceiling— Protection  of — Around  Boilers,  Furnaces,  Etc.)      The  space  be- 
tween the  tops  of  all  steam  boilers  and  furnaces  and  any  wood  ceiling  construction 
shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  three  feet,  unless  such  boiler  carry  not  more  than  ten 
pounds  pressure  in  which  case  such  space  shall  be  not  less  than  eighteen  inches, 
All  wood  sheathing,  wood  laths  or  other  combustible  ceiling  finish,  shall  be  removed 
from  above  and  for  a  space  of  two  feet  on  all  sides  of  such  boilers  and  smokepipes 
and  the  ceiling  given  at  least  two  coats  of  whitewash  or  fire-retarding  paint,  and 
the  top  of  such  boilers  and  the  top  and  sides  of  such  smokepipes  shall  be  covered 
with  at  least  three  inches  of  asbestos  cement  or  two  inches  of  eighty-five  per  cent 
magnesia  and  an  outer  covering  of  one-half  inch  asbestos  cement,  or  such  equiva- 
lent  protection  as   may  .be  approved   by   the   Commissioner  of   Buildings;    or   the 
under    side   of    such    wood    ceiling    construction    over    the    boiler    or    furnace    and 
also  over   the   smokepipe   leading  from   same   and   extending   at  least   two   feet   in 
each  direction  beyond  the  boiler  or  furnace  and  smokepipe  shall  be  protected  either 
by  three  coats  of  plastering  on  metallic  lath  or  wire  netting,  or  at  least  two  inches 
of  porous  terra  cotta  or  hollow  tile  covered  on  the  under  side  with  a  heavy  coat 
of  plaster.     If  metal  is  used  in  the  construction  of  smokepipes),  such  metal  shal' 
be  of  thickness  riot  less  than  No.  14  U.  S.  gauge. 

589.  Boilers— Location   of— Permit   for.)      In   all   cases,   boilers   shall   be    so 
placed  as  to  give  ample   room  between  any  ceiling,  wall  or  partition   to   connect 
or  operate  any  valves  or  pipes  or  other  connections  used  on   such  steam  boilers. 
The  size,  number  and  location  of  boilers  to  be  installed  in  any  building  shall  be 
marked  on  the  plans  and,  except  in  buildings  of  Class  III,  approved  by  the  Depart- 
ment for  the  Inspection  of  Steam  Boilers  and  Steam  Plants,  and  by  the  Department 
of  Smoke  Inspection,  before  a  permit  is  issued  by  the  Department  of  Buildings  for 
the  erection  of  such  building. 

590.  Cupolas    of    Foundries.)     Cupolas    of    foundries    shall    extend    at    least 
twenty-five  feet  above  the  highest  point  of  any  roof  within  a  radius  of  forty  feet 
of  such  cupola. 

591.  Cornices— Eaves — Gutters— Pipes  from  Roof.)    (a)  No  wood  shall  be  used 
for   any   purpose  in  connection  with   cornices,  eaves  and  external  gutters  on   any 
building  more  than  fifty  feet  in  height.     The  entire  exterior  covering  of  cornices 
and  eaves  of  buildings  hereafter  to  be  erected  within  the  fire  limits   shall   be  of 
incombustible  material. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  129 

(b)  Wherever  sheet  metal  cornices  or  eaves  or  external  gutters  are  used,  their 
entire  exterior  covering  shall  be  of  metal  or  of  other  incombustible  material  ap- 
proved   by  the    Commissioner   of   Buildings.     Bracket   supports   for   same    shall   be 
firmly  secured  to  the  wall  at  least  every  four  feet,  and  the  walls  shall  be  carried 
full  height  under  and  behind  same  throughout  their  entire  length. 

(c)  The  water  from  all  roofs  shall  be  carried  to  the  sewer  in  metal  conductor 
pipes.     Every  such  conductor  shall  be  continually  maintained  in  good  condition,  and 
if  such  conductors  are  within  the  exterior  walls  they  shall  be  of  screwed-joint  iron 
or  steel  pipe,  or  of  cast-iron  pipe  with  calked  joints. 

592.  Towers,  Domes  and  Spires — Construction  of.)  Towers,  domes  and  spires 
may  be  built  on  top  of  the  roofs  of  buildings,  but  shall  not  occupy  more  than 
one-quarter  of  the  street  frontage  of  any  building.  Such  towers),  domes,  or  spires, 
if  any  part  thereof  is  built  to  a  height  of  more  than  fifty  feet  and  less  than 
ninety  feet,  shall  he  of  slow-burning  construction,  and,  if  of  a  greater  height  than 
ninety  feet  above  the  sidewalk,  shall  be  of  fireproof  construction;  and,  in  all  cases 
where  the  area  of  such  tower,  dome,  or  spire  exceeds  one  hundred  square  feet,  its 
supports  shall  be  carried  down  to  the  ground,  and  shall  be,  if  the  structure  sup- 
ported is  more  than  fifty  feet  and  less  than  ninety  feet  high,  of  slow-burning  con- 
struction, and,  if  more  than  ninety  feet  high,  of  fireproof  construction.  No  tower, 
dome,  or  spire  shall  exceed  thirty-six  hundred  (3,600)  square  feet  in  area,  and  in 
no  case  shall  the  area  exceed  fifteen  per  cent  of  the  total  area  of  the  building  on 
which  it  is  erected,  nor  shall  the  height  of  any  tower,  dome  or  spire  exceed  four 
hundred  feet  measured  from  the  established  inside  grade. 

*592a.  Structures — Construction  and  Limitations  of.)  All  structures  built 
within  the  City  other  than  those  otherwise  specifically  provided  for  herein  shall  be 
designed  and  constructed  according  to  established  engineering  practice,  and  shall 
comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  section.  No  structure  of  frame  or  mill  construc- 
tion within  the  fire  limits  shall  exceed  35  feet  in  height  from  the  ground  to  the 
highest  point  thereof.  No  structure  of  mill  or  frame  construction  outside  the  fire 
limits  shall  exceed  the  height  of  45  feet  from  the  ground  to  the  highest  point  thereof. 

All  structures  over  thirty-five  feet  in  height  within  the  fire  limits,  and  all 
structures  over  forty-five  feet  in  height  outside  the  fire  limits  shall  be-  built  of 
structural  steel,  concrete  or  masonry;  provided,  however,  that  viaducts  or  runways 
to  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  transferring  livestock  from  one  building  or  place 
to  another  may  be  built  of  wood  not!  to  exceed  eighty  feet  in  height  either  within 
or  without  the  fire  limits. 

If  it  is  desired  to  enclose  any  structure,  such  structure  shall  be  enclosed  with 
concrete  or  masonry  walls,  or  incombustible  material  of  such  construction  as  shall 
be  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings ;  provided  that  structures  outside  the 
fire  limits  not  exceeding  2,800  square  feet  in  area,  or  45  feet  in  height,  may  be 
enclosed  with  combustible  material. 

In  every  structure  contemplated  by  this  section,  safe  and  adequate  means  of 
ingress  and  egress  shall  be  provided  for  persons  employed  in  and  about  the  same. 

All  structures  whose  height  exceeds  twice  their  least  dimensions  at  their  base 
shall  be  so  designed  as  to  safely  resist  a  wind  pressure  of  30  pounds  per  square  foot 
of  surface  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  wind. 


*As   amended  July   22,    1912.     See  page    1541,   Journal  of  the   Proceedings   of 
the  City  Council. 


130  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

593.  Skylights— Construction  of— Glass  in.)     (a)    Any  skylight  on  the  roof 
any  building  less  than  ninety  feet  in  height,  other  than  a   frame  building,  shall 
have  the  sides,  sashes  and  frames  constructed  of  metal,  or  of  wood,  metal  clad  on 
all  exterior  surfaces.    Any  skylight  on  a  building  more  than  ninety  feet  in  height 
shall  be  entirely  of  incombustible  material. 

(b)  Every  skylight  shall  be  provided  with  ventilation  opening  of  an  area  of  at 
least  three  per  cent  of  the  base  area  of  the  skylight. 

(c)  The  glass  in  all  such  skylights,  except  in  buildings  in  Classes  III  and  VI,  not 
exceeding  three  stories  in  height;,  shall  have  at  least  six  inches  over  same  a  strong 
wire  netting  with  wire  not  lighter  than  Number  twelve,  galvanized  after  weaving, 
and  mesh  not  coarser  than  one  by  one  inch,  unless  the  glass  contains  a  wire  net- 
ting within  itself.     Supports   for   screen   shall  not  be  less   in  size  than   the  bars 
supported  and  of  the  same  material. 

594.  Enclosures  Upon  Roofs.)    It  shall  be  permitted  to  erect  on  the  roofs  of 
all    buildings    more    than    fifty    feet    and    less    than    ninety    feet   high,    skylights, 
inclosures  for  water  tanks  and  inclosures  for  elevator  machinery,  the  construction 
of  all  of  which   inclosures   shall  be  entirely  of   incombustible  material;    provided, 
however,  that  the  roofs  of  same  may  be  built  of  mill  or  slow  burning  construction. 

595.  Roof — Construction   of — Pitch    of.)     Buildings,    other    than    frame    build- 
ings   when    permitted    by    this    Chapter,    less    than    fifty    feet    in    height    with 
roofs   which    have   a   slope  of   more   than   three   inches    per   horizontal    foot,    shall 
have   the   roofs   covered  with   incombustible   material.     Buildings   more   than    fifty 
feet  and   less  than  ninety   feet  in  height  with   roofs  which  have  a  slope   greater 
than  three  inches  per  horizontal  foot  and  which  are  of  timber  construction,  shall 
have  such  roofs  covered  with  an  incombustible  covering  upon  the  roof  boards,  which 
shall  be  made  either  of  mortar  or  porous  terra  cotta  or  plaster  boards  or  other 
incombustible    material,  which    shall   be    at    least    two    inches    thick.      Where   this 
covering   is   placed   upon   the  roof   boards   wooden  strips   shall  be   inserted,,  which 
shall  be   securely   fastened   to   the  wooden   structure  at  regular   intervals  between 
the    incombustible    covering    and    a    weatherproof   covering    of    incombustible    ma- 
terial. 

596.  Roofs — Shingle  or  Gravel.)    (a)  The  use  of  shingles  or  other  forms  of  com- 
bustible roof  covering  erected  or  altered,  otherwise  than  is  provided  in  Section  657, 
within  the  fire  limits,  is  prohibited,  except  as  hereinafter   provided.     In   existing 
frame  buildings  not  more  than  three  stories  high,  the  shingle  roofs  may  be  repaired 
with,  shingles  or  other  materials. 

(b)  Roofs,  the  slope  of  which  is  not  more  than  three  inches  per  foot  horizontal, 
and  the  covering  of  which  is  made  of  a  composition  of  felt  and  gravel,  shall  be 
considered  incombustible  under  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter,  and  may  be  used 
upon  buildings  of  all  classes.  Other  forms  of  composition  roof  shall  be  permitted 
if  expressly  approved  as  an  incombustible  roof  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

597.  Window  and  Door  Sills — Columns  and  Lintels  Supporting  Store  Fronts — 
Incombustible.)   (a)  For  buildings  other  than  frame  buildings  window  and  door  sills 
shall  be  made  of  incombustible  material.     Oak  timber  used  for  door  sills  and  not 
less   than  eight  inches  thick  by   the  full   width  of   the  wall   in   which   such    sills 
occur,  shall,  for  the  purpose  of  this  Chapter,  be  counted  incombustible. 

(b)  In  buildings  other  than  frame  and  excepting  buildings  of  Classes  III  and  VI. 
lintels  shall  be  of  incombustible  material;  provided  that  in  one-story  store  front 
buildings,  columns  and  lintels  may  be  of  combustible  material. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  131 

*598.  Buildings — Height  of.1  (a)  The  limits  of  heights  of  buildings  here- 
tofore given  for  non-fireproof  buildings  shall  be  from  the  average  established  side- 
walk level  to  the  highest  point  of  the  roof  thereof. 

(b)  The   height   of  fireproof   buildings   shall  be  measured  from   the   average 
grade  of  the  street  frontage  of  the  building  to  the  top  of  the  highest  point  of  the 
external  bearing  walls. 

(c)  No  buildings  shall  be  erected  of  greater  height  than  two  hundred  feet 
from  the  sidewalk  level  to  the  highest  point  of  external  bearing  walls;  provided, 
however,  that  buildings  may  be  erected  of  a  height  of  two  hundred  sixty  feet  from 
the  sidewalk  level  to  the  highest  point  of  external  bearing  walls  up  to  and  until 
the  first  day  of  September,  1911;,  where  a  permit  has  been  secured  therefor  and  the 
work  incident  to  the  erection  of  said  building  has  been  begun  before  September  first, 
1911.     The    erection  of   parapet   walls    or   of   balustrades    constructed   entirely   of 
incombustible  material  shall  be  permitted  above  the  roof  level  of  buildings  of  all 
classes,  in  addition  to  the  height  fixed  herein  for  the  same. 

(d)  Roof  houses   for  elevators,  tanks,  skylights,  stairs  or   scuttles   may  be 
built  above  the  height  of  the  maifi  roof. 

599.  Basement  and  Cellar  Defined.)    A  basement  shall  be  defined  as  a  story 
the  floor  of  which  is  more  than  two  feet  below  the  average  finished  street  grade 
or  whose   ceiling  is   less  than   nine  feet   above   said   grade   at   the   front  of   the 
building;  but  this  definition  of  a  basement  shall  not  apply  to  buildings  of  Classes 
VI  and  VIII. 

600.  Sub-basements  and   Cellars — Construction  of.)      (a)     No  building  shall 
have  more  than  one  basement  or  cellar  of  ordinary  or  slow-burning,  or  mill  con- 
struction;   all   additional   basements  or   cellars   shall  be   of   fireproof   construction 
as   described  in  this   Chapter,  the   elevator  enclosures   shall  be   of  brick  from  the 
lowest  basement  floor  level  to   the   first   story  floor  and  the   stairways   shall  be 
inclosed  in   fireproof  partitions  from  the  lowest  basement  floor  level  to  the  first 
story  floor  level  with  automatic  closing  standard  iron  doors,  opening  outwards. 

(b)  In  cases  where  a  pipe,  conduit,  dumb-waiter,  cable,  wire,  conveyor  or  belt, 
or  any  combination  thereof,  passes  through  a  floor  from  one  basement  to  another, 
the  opening  in  the  floor  shall  be  inclosed  as  specified  in  this  Chapter. 

(c)  The  number  and  width  of  stairs  from  the  lowest  basement  floor  to  the 
first  story  shall  be  the  same  as  required  for  the  four  highest  stories  of  a  building  of 
the  same  area. 

tGOl.  Canopy — Plans  Must  be  Approved  by  Commissioner  of  Buildings  Before 
Permit  Issued  by  Department  of  Public  Works — Fee  for  Permit — No  Advertising 
Matter  or  Obstructions  Permitted. )  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or 
corporation  to  erect  or  construct  any  canopy  attached  to  a  building  or  structure 
i:mler  any  general  or  special  ordinance  now  in  force  or  which  shall  or  may  here- 
after be  adopted  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago,  without  first  submit- 
ting the  plans  of  such  canopy,  and  also  of  the  part  of  the  building  or  other  struc- 
ture to  which  it  is  to  be  attached,  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  for  his  ap- 


*As  amended  February  6,  1911.  See  page  3786,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 

fAs  amended  April  28,  1913.  See  page  233,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council.  [This  Section  was  previously  amended  July  1,  1912.  See  page  1026, 
Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council  for  said  date.] 


132  CITY   OF  CHICAGO 

proval.  No  permit  shall  be  issued  by  the  Department  of  Public  Works  unless  the 
plans  of  such  canopy  shall  be  approved  by  the  Department  of  Buildings  and  a 
permit  to  attach  said  canopy  to  the  'building  for  which  it  is  intended  shall  be  ob- 
tained from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  The  owner  or  agent  shall  pay  to  the 
Department  of  Buildings  a  fee  of  $5.00  for  said  permit.  No  canopy  that  has  been 
or  may  hereafter  be  authorized  by  any  general  or  special  ordinance,  which  projects 
over  any  street  or  other  public  place  shall  at  any  time  be  enclosed  by  canvas  or 
other  cloth  or  material  in  whole  or  in  part  so  as  to  obstruct  free  passage  under- 
neath same,  nor  shall  any  such  canopy  be  equipped  with  or  have  attached  thereto 
any  illuminated  or  other  signs,  transparencies,  placards,  streamers  or  other  adver- 
tising devices  of  any  kind;  and  in  case  any  such  canopy  shall  at  any  time  contain 
such  advertising  matter  or  device  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  owner,  lessee,  or  per- 
son in  charge  or  control  of  such  canopy,  upon  notice  from  the  Mayor,  to  forthwith 
remove  such  advertising  matter  or  device. 

602.  Courts  and  Light  Shafts  in  Buildings.)     (a)     Every  court  or  light  shaft 
of  every  building  shall  be  open  and  unobstructed  from  the  bottom  of  such  court  to 
the  sky,  with  the  exception  that  fire  escapes  may  be  built  therein,  and  such  courts 
shall  have  walls  constructed  in  the  same  manner  as  is  required  for  the  exterior 
walls  of  such  buildings;  provided,  that  no  walls  inclosing  such  courts  are  required 
on  street  or  alley  lot  lines. 

(b)  All  windows,  doors  or  other  openings  in  court  walls,  except  as  otherwise 
provided  in  this  Chapter,  shall  have  metal  frames,  metal  sashes  and  metal  doors, 
with  the  glazed  portions  thereof  of  wired  glass. 

603.  Bay  Windows — Light  Courts — Shafts — Construction  of.)     (a)     The  walls 
of  every  bay  window  and  every  court  in  every  masonry  constructed  building,  excepl 
buildings  of  Class.  Ill,  shall  be  built  of  brick  or  other  fireproof  construction  through 
out  as  required  for  exterior  walls. 

(b)  The  walls  of  every  vent  shaft  of  every  masonry  constructed  building,  ex 
cept  buildings  of  Class  III,  shall  be  built  of  masonry  or  a  fireproof  material  not  less 
than  four  inches  in  thickness  supported  by  steel  or  iron. 

(c)  Every  court,  light  shaft,  or  vent  shaft  in  every  building  shall  be  open  and 
unobstructed  from  the  bottom  of  such  court  to  the  sky  with  the  exception  that 
fire-escapes  may  be  built  in  courts  or  light  shafts,  subject  to  all  the  provisions  of 
this  chapter. 

(d)  All  windows,  doora,  or  other  openings  in  court  walls,  except  as  otherwise 
provided  in  this  Chapter,  shall  have  metal  frames,  metal  sashes  and  metal  doors 
with  the  glazed  portion  of  wired  glass. 

604.  Windows,  Cleaning  of — Safety  Devices.)     The  owner  or  agent  of  every 
building  in  the  city  shall  equip  each  and  every  window  in  any  such  building  above 
the  first  story  thereof  with  a   suitable   device  or  devices  which   will  permit  the 
cleaning  of  the  exterior  of  each  and  every  window  in  such  building  above  the  first 
story  without  danger  to  the  person  cleaning  such  windows,  and  such  devices  shall 
be  of  such  pattern  and  construction   as  will   reasonably  and  safely  answer  the 
purposes  for  which  they  are  intended;  provided,  however,  that  if  windows  are  of 
such  construction  that  they  may  be  easily  cleaned  from  the  inside  they  need  not 
Ixj  equipped  with  such  devices. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  133 

*605.  Wood  Lathing  and  Plastering.)  In  all  buildings  of  ordinary  construc- 
tion, where  the  use  of  wood  lath  and  plaster  is  permitted  under  the  provisions  of 
this  chapter,  such  wood  lath  and  plaster  shall  be  done  in  accordance  with  these 
specifications : 

Wood  lath  shall  not  be  over  one  and  one-half  inches  wide,  and  shall  be  nailed 
to  each  stud,  joist  or  bearing  with  not  less  than  a  three-penny  fine  16-gauge  nail; 
lath  to  have  joints  broken  with  not  over  seven  lath  to  a  break;  lath  to  be  spaced 
not  less  than  one-fourth  of  an  inch  apart.  All  wood  lath  must  be  covered  with 
at  least  two  coats  of  plaster;  such  lath  and  plaster  to  finish  to  a  total  thickness 
of  at  least  seven-eighths  of  an  inch;  no  dirt  or  loamy  sand  to  be  used  in  the 
mortar  or  plaster. 

In  every  building  of  ordinary  construction  which  contains  one  or  more  rooms 
used  for  habitation  or  living  purposes,  the  walls  and  ceilings  of  all  rooms,  including 
stores  (except  basement  and  attic  rooms  not  used  for  habitation  or  living  pur- 
poses, but  not  excepting  basement  ceilings  in  buildings  of  Class  VI)  throughout 
the  building  shall  be  covered  with  not  less  than  two  coats  of  plaster  of  the  thick- 
ness and  quality  hereinbefore  in  this  section  prescribed. 

f60G.  Scaffolds — Protection  During  Building  Operations — Temporary  Floors.) 
(a)  All  scaffolds  erected  in  this  city  for  use  in  the  erection,  repair,  alteration,  or 
removal  of  buildings,  shall  be  well  and  safely  supported,  and  of  sufficient  width, 
and  properly  secured,  so  as  to  insure  the  safety  of  persons  working  thereon  or 
passing  under  or  by  the  same ;  and  to  prevent  the  falling  thereof,  or  of  any  material 
that  may  be  used,  placed  or  deposited  thereon. 

(b)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  owner,  person  or  corporation  who  shall  have 
the  supervision  or  control  of  the  construction  of  or  remodeling  of  any  building  having 
more  than  three  framed  floors,  whether  some  or  all  of  such  floors  are  above  the 
established  street  grade,  to  provide  and  lay  upon  the  upper  side  of  the  joists  or 
girders,  or  both,  or  the  first  floor  below  the  riveters  and  structural  steel  setters,  a 
plank  floor,  which  shall  be  laid  to  form  a  good  and  substantial  temporary  floor  for 
the  protection  of  the  employes  and  all  persons  engaged  above  or  below  or  on  such 
temporary  floor  in  such  building. 

(c)  Provided,  however,  that  where  the  permanent  floor  is  in  place  on  the  floor 
herein  required  to  be  planked,  a  temporary  protective  floor  shall  not  be  required. 

(  d )  A  good  and  substantial  temporary  floor  shall  be  laid  on  the  joists  or  girders 
of  the  next  lower  floor  where  the  temporary  or  permanent  floor  of  the  second 
story  or  the  floor  or  floors  above  the  second  story  or  roof  is  being  placed  previous 
to  the  placing  of  the  permanent  floor  or  floors  immediately  below  the  floor  which 
is  being  arched  or  planked.  The  lowest  framed  floor  in  a  building  shall  be  con- 
sidered the  first  floor. 

(e)  In  buildings  more  than  three  stories  high  where  persons  are  working  on  a 
scaffold  or  scaffolds  on  the  outside  of  such  building  such  persons  shall  be  protected 


*As  amended  May  19,  1913.  See  page  537,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council.  [NOTE — This  is  Section  605  of  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911.  It  super- 
sedes Section  722  of  the  "Building  Ordinance"  as  passed  December  5,  1910.] 

fNoTE — This  is  Section  606  of  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911.  It  is  identical  with 
Section  605  of  the  "Building  Ordinance"  as  passed  December  5,  1910.] 


134  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

by  well  secured  planking,  set  over  the  heads  of  such  persons  for  the  full  width 
of  the  scaffolding  on  which  they  are  working  if  another  story  or  other  stories  are 
being  raised  above  such  persons  during  the  time  they  are  working  on  such  outside 
scaffold  or  scaffolding. 

(f )  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  owners,  contractors,  builders  or  persons  having 
the  control  or  supervision  of  all  buildings  in  course  of  erection  which  shall  be  more 
than  thirty  feet  high,  to  see  that  all  stairways,  elevator  openings,  flues  and   all 
other  openings  in  the  floors  shall  be  covered  or  properly  protected  and  it  shall  be 
their  further  duty  to  comply  with  an  act  of  the  State  Legislature  providing  for 
the  protection  and  safety  of  persons  in  or  about  the  construction,  repairing,  altera- 
tion or  removal  of  buildings,  bridges,  viaducts  and  other  structures,  approved  June 
3,  1907,  and  in  force  July  1,  1907. 

(g)  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this 
section  shall  be  fined  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars  nor  more  than  two  hun- 
dred dollars  for  each  offense,  and  any  permit  granted  for  the  construction  of  such 
building  may  be  revoked  in  the  discretion  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  where 
such  violation  occurs. 

607.  Sidewalk  and  Street — Occupation  of — Limitations.)  (a)  The  extent  of 
occupation  of  sidewalk  and  street  to  be  covered  by  the  terms  of  a  permit  for 
street  obstruction  or  building,  shall  be  as  follows: 

(b)  Such  permit  shall  not  authorize  the  occupation  of  any  sidewalk  or  street 
or  part  thereof  other  than  that  immediately  in  front  of  the  lot  or  lots  upon  which 
any  building  is   in   process   of  erection   and   in  relation   to   which    such   permit   is 
issued. 

(c)  During  the  progress  of  building  operations,  a  sidewalk  not  less  than  six 
feet  in  width  shall  be  at  all  times  kept  open  and  unobstructed  for  the   purpose 
of  passage  in  front  of  such  lot  or  lots.     Such  sidewalk  shall,  if  there  are  excava- 
tions on  either  side  of  the  same,  be  protected  by  substantial  railings  which  shall  be 
built  and  maintained  thereon  so  long  as  excavations  continue  to  exist.     It  is  not 
intended  hereby  to  prohibit  the   maintenance   of   a   driveway  for   the   delivery   of 
material  across  such  sidewalk  from  the  curb  line  to  the  building  site. 

608.  Sidewalks— Delivery  of  Material— Elevated  Sidewalks.)     It  shall  be  per- 
mitted for  the  purposes  of  delivering  material   to  the  basements   of  buildings  in 
process  of  erection  to  erect  elevated  temporary  sidewalks  to  a  height  of  not  ex- 
ceeding four  feet  above  the  curb  level  of  the  street,  and  in  case  a  sidewalk  is  so 
elevated  it  shall  be  provided  with  good,  substantial  steps  or  easy  inclines  on  both 
ends  of  the  same  and  shall  have  railings  on  both  sides  thereof. 

609.  Temporary  Roof   Over   Sidewalks — Time    Maintained.)     When   buildings 
are  erected  of  a  height  greater  than  four  stories  and  such  buildings  are  near  the 
street  line,  there  shall  be  built  over  the  adjoining  sidewalk  a  roof  having  a  frame- 
work  composed   of  supports   and  stringers  of   three   by   twelve  timbers   not   more 
than  four  feet  from  center  to  center,  covered  by  two  layers  of  two-inch   plank. 
When   additional  stories   are   added   to  an  existing  building  and   such  building 
located  near  the  street  line,  there  shall  be  built  over  the  sidewalk,  at  the  poini 
where  the  new  stories  commence,  a  scaffold  not  less  than  six  feet  wide,  which  shal 
form  a  covering  over  the  sidewalk  composed  of  a  framework  of  stringers  and  su] 
portsj,  covered  with  two  layers  of  two-inch  planks.     Such  framework  and  covering 
shall  be  of  such  construction  and  design  as  shall  be  satisfactory  to  the  Commis 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  135 

sioner  of  Buildings.  Such  roof  shall  be  maintained  as  long  as  material  is  being 
used  or  handled  on  such  street  front  above  the  level  of  the  sidewalk.  Temporary 
sidewalks,  their  railings,  approaches  and  roofs  over  same,  shall  be  made  with 
regard  to  ease  of  approach,  strength,  and  safety,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings. 

610.  Storage    of    Building    Materials — Limitations.)     The    occupation    of    the 
street  for  the  storage  of  building  material  for  any  one  building  or  for  temporary 
sidewalks,  shall  never  exceed  one-third  of  the  width  of  the  roadway  of  the  same, 
and  in  no  event  shall  any  material  be  stored  or  placed  within   four  feet  of  any 
steam   or   street   railway   track),   and   in   all  cases  where   such   obstruction   of   the 
street  is  made  there  shall  be  a  clear  space  of  not  less  than  one  foot  between  such 
obstruction  and  the  curb  line.    Provided,  that  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  and  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  or  either  of  them,  may  limit,  or  entirely  restrict, 
the  storage   of  material  on  any  street   or  alley  where  a   tunnel,  conduit,  or  any 
underground  passage  way  or  subway  is  located. 

611.  Sidewalks  and  Street— Excavated  Material  and  Rubbish  On— How  Cared 
for.)     Earth,  other  than  sand  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  the  building,  taken 
from  excavations,  and  rubbish  taken  from  buildings  shall  not  be  stored  either  upon 
the  sidewalks  or  roadways  of  streets,  and  shall  be  removed  therefrom  from  day  to 
day  as  rapidly  as  produced.     When  dry  rubbish  is  being  handled,  it  shall  be  kept 
wetted  down  so  as  to  prevent  its  being  blown  about  by  the  wind. 

612.  Use  of  Derricks.)     For  all  buildings  more  than  four  stories  in  height  the 
use  of  derricks  set  upon  the  sidewalk  or  street  is  prohibited.     In  no  case  shall  the 
guy  lines  be  less  than  fifteen  feet  above  the  roadbed. 

613.  Frontage    Adjacent — How     Occupied    for    Building    Purposes.)     If    the 
written  consent  of  and  a  waiver  of  claims  for  damages  against  the  city  by  the 
owners  of  properties  adjoining  the  site  of  any  proposed  building  is  first  obtained 
and  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  the  permission   to  occupy  the 
roadway  and  the   sidewalk   may  be   extended  beyond  the  limits  of  such  building 
in  front  of  the  property  for  which  the  consent  of  the  owner  or  lessee  thereof  has 
been   secured  upon  the   same  terms   and  conditions  as  those  herein   fixed  for   the 
occupation  of  sidewalk  and  street  in  front  of  the  building  site. 

614.  Street— Use  of  for  Building  Purposes— When  Terminated— Red  Lights.) 
(a)     The  permission  to  occupy  streets  and  sidewalks  for  the  purposes  of  building 
is  intended  only  for  use  in  connection  with  the  actual  erection,  repair,  alteration  or 
removal  of  buildings,  and  shall  terminate  with  the  completion  of  such  operation. 
It  shall  be  unlawful  to  occupy  any  sidewalk  or  street  after  the  completion  of  the 
operation   for  which   a   permit   has   been  issued  by   the  Department  of   Buildings. 
It  shall  also  be  unlawful  to  occupy  a  sidewalk  or  street,  under  authority  of  such 
permit,  for  the  storage  of  articles  not  intended  for  immediate  use  in  connection 
with  the  operation  for  which  such  permit  has  been  issued. 

(b)  Red  lanterns  shall  be  displayed  and  maintained  during  the  whole  of  every 
night  at  each  end  of  every  pile  of  material  in  any  street  or  alley  and  at  each  end 
of  every  excavation. 

615.  Street    Obstructions— Permits— Bonds— Fees.)     (a)    Permits    for   the    ob- 
struction of  streets  shall  be  issued  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  and  shall 
be  paid  in  proportion  to  the  street  frontage  occupied  at  the  rate  of  two  dollars  per 


136  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

month  for  every  twenty-five  (25)  feet,  or  fractional  part  thereof,  of  frontage  so 
occupied,  and  before  any  permit  shall  be  granted  to  any  person,  firm  or  corporation 
for  the  obstruction  of  any  street  or  streets  or  sidewalk,  an  estimate  of  the  cost 
of  restoring  said  street  and  sidewalk  to  a  condition  equally  as  good  as  before  it 
shall  have  been -obstructed,  with  a  fair  additional  margin  for  contingent  damages, 
shall  be  made  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  which  in  no  case  shall  be  less 
than  one  dollar  per  foot,  or  fractional  part  thereof,  frontage  of  the  portion  of  the 
street  to  be  obstructed,  and  a  deposit  shall  be  required  of  the  person,  firm  or 
corporation  desiring  to  obstruct  said  street  or  sidewalk.  Such  deposit,  less  the 
charge  of  two  dollars  per  month  for  each  twenty-five  feet  of  frontage  used,  shall 
be  returned  upon  the  restoration  of  the  said  street  and  sidewalk  to  a  condition 
equally  as  good  as  before  it  was  obstructed.  When  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works  shall  receive  satisfactory  proof  that  said  street  and  sidewalk  have  been 
restored  to  a  condition  equally  as  good  as  before  it  was  obstructed,  he  shall  issue 
a  certificate  to  the  Comptroller,  certifying  to  said  fact,  and  the  Comptroller  shall 
thereupon  forthwith  issue  a  warrant  on  the  City  Treasurer  for  the  amount  of 
money  thus  deposited  less  the  deduction  herein  provided  for.  But  if  the  person, 
firm  or  corporation  thus  obstructing  said  street  or  sidewalk  shall  fail  to  restore 
the  same  to  a  condition  equally  as  good  as  before  it  was  obstructed  within  three 
(3)  days  from  and  after  the  completion  of  the  building  or  structure  for  which 
said  deposit  was  required,  then  the  city  shall  have  the  right  to  use  such  portion  of 
said  deposit  as  may  be  necessary  to  remove  the  obstructions  and  to  restore  the 
said  street  and  sidewalk  to  a  condition  equally  as  good  as  it  was  before  it  was 
obstructed,  and  the  amount  thus  expended  shall  be  deducted  from  the  amount  of 
said  deposit;  provided,  however,  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  preclude  the 
city  from  maintaining  an  action  against  the  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  recover 
for  damage  done  to  any  street  or  sidewalk.  No  .permit  shall  be  issued  until  the 
applicant  therefor  shall  have  executed  and  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works  a  bond,  with  sureties  to  be  approved  by  said  Commissioner,,  and  in  an 
amount  to  be  designated,  by  him,  in  no  case  to  be  less  than  ten  thousand  dollars, 
conditioned  to  indemnify,  save  and  keep  harmless  the  City  from  any  and  all  loss, 
cost,  expense  or  liability  of  any  kind  whatsoever  which  it,  the  city,  may  suffer  or 
be  put  to,  or  which  may  be  recovered  from  it  from  or  by  reason  of  the  issuance  of 
such  permit,  or  by  reason  of  any  act  or  thing  done  or  neglected  to  be  done  under 
or  by  virtue  of  the  authority  given  in  such  permit  and  the  requirements  of  the 
city  ordinances. 

(b)  Any  permit  issued  pursuant  to  the  terms  of  this  ordinance  may  be  re 
yoked  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  at  any  time. 

*616.  Stables  and  Barns — Regulation.)  (a)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any 
person,  firm  or  corporation  to  convert  any  building  for  the  use  of  or  to  construct 
cr  maintain  any  stable  or  barn  for  the  housing  or  keeping  of  horses  or  other  ani- 
mals on  any  lot  abutting  on  a  street  or  alley  in  which  a  public  sewer  is  constructed 
M'ithout  providing  such  stable  or  barn  with  an  impervious  floor  properly  drained  to 
such  sewer. 

(b)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  construct, 
locate,  conduct  or  maintain  any  boarding,  sales  or  private  stable  or  barn  for 
stabling  or  keeping  of  horses  on  the  front  two-thirds  of  any  lot  on  any  street  where 


*As  amended  November   18,  1912.     See  page  2343,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings 
of  the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  137 

one-half  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the  street  between  the  next  nearest  inter- 
secting streets  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes  without  the  written  con- 
sent of  a  majority  of  the  property  owners  according  to  frontage  on  both  sides  of 
the  streets.  Such  written  consent  shall  be  obtained  and  filed  with  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  before  a  permit  is  issued  for  the  construction  or  alteration  of 
p.ny  building  or  place  for  such  purpose.  Provided  that  in  determining  whether  one- 
half  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the  street  are  used  exclusively  for  residence 
purposes  any  building  fronting  upon  another  street  and  located  upon  a  corner  lot 
shall  not  be  considered. 

(c)  It  shall  hereafter  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  lo- 
cate, build,  construct  or  maintain  any  building  or  structure  for  stabling  or  keeping 
of  ten  or  more  horses  within  a  distance  of  one  hundred  feet  from  any  school,  church, 
hospital,  public  park  or  public  playground. 

(d)  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this 
section  shall  be  fined  not  less  than  twenty-five  dollars   ($25.00)   nor  more  than  two 
hundred  dollars    ($200.00)   for  each  offense,  and  each  and  every  day  on  which  such 
person  shall  conduct  or  maintain  a  stable  or  barn  in  violation  of  the  provisions  of 
this  section,  shall  constitute  a  separate  and  distinct  offense. 

6,17.  Tannery  Not  to  Be  Placed  Within  600  Feet  of  Any  Church,  Public  or 
Private  School.)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  build, 
construct,  locate  or  maintain  any  building  used,  or  to  be  used,  for  a  tannery  within 
six  hundred  feet  measured  from  the  nearest  point  of  the  tannery  to  the  nearest 
point  of  any  building  used  for  a  church  or  for  a  public  or  private  school. 

617%.  Gas  Reservoir  Not  to  Be  Placed  Within  500  Feet  of  any  Public  School.) 
It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  build,  construct,  locate 
or  maintain  any  tank  used  or  to  be  used  for  a  gas  reservoir  within  500  feet  of  any 
public  school.  Said  distance  to  be  measured  from  the  nearest  point  of  the  building 
or  structure  used  for  a  gas  reservoir  to  the  nearest  point  of  any  building  used  for  a 
public  school. 

618.  Architect — Must  Certify  That  Plans  Comply  With  Building  Ordinances.) 
It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  architect  or  other  person  permitted  under  the  state  law 
to  prepare  plans,  to  prepare  and  submit  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  for  his 
approval  any  final  plans  for  any  building  or  structure  which  do  not  comply  with 
structural  requirements  of  this  Chapter.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings  to  require  that  all  final  plans  submitted  to  him  for  approval  of  any 
building  or  structure  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  certificate  of  such  architect  or 
such  other  person  preparing  plans  that  the  plans  and  specifications  submitted  com- 
ply with  the  structural  requirements  of  this  Chapter. 

ARTICLE    XIII. 

FIREPROOF    CONSTRUCTION. 

*619.    Fireproof   Construction — Definition   of.)     The   term    "fireproof   construe^ 
tion"  shall  apply  to  all  buildings  in  which  all  parts  that  carry  weights  or  resist 
strains,  and  also  all  exterior  walls  and  all  interior  walls  and  all  interior  partitions 
and  all  stairways  and  all  elevator  inclosures,  are  made  entirely  of  incombustible  ma- 
terial,  and  in  which  all  metallic  structural   members  are  protected  against   the 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.    See  page  3996,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


138  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

effects  of  fire  by  coverings  of  a  material  which  shall  be  entirely  incombustible,  and  a 
slow  heat  conductor,  and  hereinafter  termed  "fireproof  material".  Reinforced  concrete 
as  defined  in  this  ordinance  shall  be  considered  fireproof  construction,  when  built  as 
required  by  Section  564. 

620.  Fireproof  Material — Definition  of.)     The  materials   which  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  filling  the  conditions  of  fireproof  covering  are:   First,  burnt  brick;   sec- 
ond,  tiles  of  burnt  clay;  third,  approved  cement  concrete;  fourth,  terra  cotta. 

621.  Fireproof  Construction — Tests  For.)  (a)  In  cases  in  which  it  is  claimed  that 
any  equally  good  or  more  desirable  mode  or  manner  of  construction,  or  material 
or  device  for  fireproofing,  other  than  specified  in  this  Chapter,  can  be  used  in  the 
erection  or   alteration  of  buildings,   the  Commissioner  of   Buildings,  upon  written 
application  to  him  for  a  permit  to  use  the  same,  shall  have  power  to  appoint  a 
Board  of  Examiners,  consisting  of  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  five  members 
each  of  whom  shall  have  at  least  ten  years'  experience  as  an  architect,  engineer  or 
builder,  who  shall  take  the  usual  oath  of  office.     Said  oath  of  office  shall  be  adminis- 
tered by 'the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.     The  said  examiners  shall  adopt  -rules  and 
specifications  for  examining  and  testing  such  mode  or  manner  of  construction  or 
material,  or  device  for  fireproofing,  and  furnish  a  copy  of  the  same  to  the  applicant. 
And  such  specifications  shall  provide  that  the  material  to  be  tested  shall  withstand 
successfully   a   fire    of   two    hours'    duration,    rising   to    1,700    degrees    temperature, 
Fahrenheit,  in  the  first  thirty  minutes  and  remaining  at  that  temperature  for  the 
following  ninety  minutes.    At  the  end  of  the  two  hours  the  material  shall  be  quenched 
with  at  least  a    1%-inch  stream  of  water  for  five  minutes,  at  a  nozzle   pressure 
of  fifty  pounds  per  square  inch.     The  said  examiners  shall  notify  such  applicant 
to  submit  the  proposed  material  for  such  examination  and  test;  and  such  tests  shall 
be  made  in  the  presence  of  the  said  examiners,  or  a  majority  thereof,  according  to 
such  rules  and  specifications.     All  expenses  of  such  examiners  and  of  such  examina- 
tions and  tests,   shall  be  paid  by  the  applicant,  and  said  examiners  may  require 
security  therefor. 

(b)  The  said  examiners  shall  within  30  days  after  such  examination  and  tests, 
certify  the  results  of  such  test,  and  their  decision  on  the  said  application  to  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  who  shall  in  the  event  of  the  examination  and  tests  being 
satisfactory,  authorize  the  use  of  such  material  or  construction  as  fireproof  material. 

(c)  A  complete  record  of  the  proceedings  and  all  acts  and  decisions  of  the  said 
Board  of  Examiners  shall  be  kept  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  in  his  office. 

(d)  The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  have  the  power  to  pass  upon  any  ques- 
tion relative  to  the  mode  or  manner  of  construction  or  materials  to  be  used  for  fire- 
proofing  in  the  erection  or  alteration  of  any  building  or  structure  to  make  the  same 
conform  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  several  provisions  of  this  Chapter. 

*622.  Incombustible  Material.)  The  following  materials  shall  be  considered 
as  incombustible  material:  A  metal. or  fire-resisting  glass  not  less  than  one-quar- 
ter of  an  inch  in  thickness,  metal,  plastering  on  metal  lath  and  metal  studding, 
plaster  blocks,  stone,  granite,  marble,  approved  cinder  concrete  or  one  of  the  fire- 
proof materials  described  in  this  Chapter. 

623.    Walls— Enclosing    in    Buildings     of     Steel     Skeleton     Construction.)     If 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3997,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  139 

buildings  are  made  of  fireproof  construction,  and  have  skeleton  construction  so  de- 
signed that  their  enclosing  walls  do  not  carry  the  weight  of  floors  or  roof,  then 
their  walls  shall  be  not  less  than  twelve  inches  in  thickness;  provided,  such  walls 
shall  be  thoroughly  anchored  to  the  iron  skeleton,  and  whenever  the  weight  of  such 
walls  rests  upon  beams  or  columns,  such  beams  or  columns  shall  be  made  strong 
enough  in  each  story  to  carry  the  weight  of  wall  resting  upon  them  without  reliance 
upon  the  walls  below  them.  All  walls  shall  be  of  fireproof  or  incombustible  material. 

624.  Columns — Exterior.)    (a)  All  iron  or  steel  used  as  vertical  supporting  mem- 
ber  of   the   external   construction   of   any    building   exceeding   fifty   feet   in  height 
shall  be  protected  against  the  effects   of  external  change  of  temperature,  and  of 
fire  by  a  covering  of  fireproof  material  consisting  of  at  least  four  inches  of  brick, 
hollow  terra  cotta,  concrete,  burnt  clay  tiles,  or  of  a  combination  of  any  two  of  these 
materials,  provided  that  their  combined  thickness  is  not  less  than  four  inches.    The 
distance  of  the  extreme  projection  of  the  metal,  where  such  metal  projects  beyond 
the  face  of  the  column,  shall  be  not  less  than  two  inches  from  the  face  of  the  fire- 
proofing;  provided,  that  the  inner  side  of  exterior  columns  shall  be  fireproofed  as 
hereafter  required  for  interior  columns. 

(b)  Where  stone  or  other  incombustible  material  not  of  the  type  defined  in 
this  ordinance  as  fireproof  material  is  used  for  the  exterior  facing  of  a  building, 
the  distance  between  the  back  of  the  facing  and  the  extreme  projection  of  the 
metal  of  the  column  proper  shall  be  at  least  two  inches,  and  the  intervening  space 
shall  be  filled  with  one  of  the  fireproof  materials. 

(c)  In  all  cases,  the  brick,  burnt  clay,  tile  or  terra  cotta,  if  used  as  a  fireproof 
covering,  shall  be  bedded  in  cement  mortar  close  up  to  the  iron  or  steel  members 
and  all  joints  shall  be  made  full  and  solid. 

625.  Columns — Interior.)      (a)    Covering  of  interior  columns  shall  consist   of 
one  or  more  of  the  fireproof  materials  herein  described. 

(b)  If  such  covering  is  of  brick  it  shall  be  not  less  than  four  inches  thick;  if 
of  concrete,  not  less  than  three  inches  .thick;   if  of  burnt  clay  tile,  such  covering 
shall  be  in  two  consecutive  layers,  each  not  less  than  two  inches  thick,  each  having  one 
air  space  of  not  less  than  one-half  inch,  and  in  no  such  burnt  clay  tile  shall  the 
burnt  clay  be  less  than  five-eighths  of  an  inch  thick;  or  if  of  porous  clay  solid  tiles, 
it  shall  consist  of  at  least  two  consecutive  layers,  each  not  less  than  two  inches 
thick;  or  if  constituted  of  a  combination  of  any  two  of  these  materials,  one-half  of 
the  total  thickness  required  for  each  of  the  materials  shall  be  applied,  provided  that 
if  concrete  is  used  for  such  layer  it  shall  not  be  less  than  two  inches  thick. 

(c)  In  the  case  of  columns  having  an  "H"  shaped  cross  section  or  of  columns 
having  any  other  cross  section  with  channels  or  chases  open  from  base  plates  to  cap 
plates  on  one  or  more  sides  of  the  columns,  then  the  thickness  of  the  fireproof  cover- 
ing may  be  reduced  to  two  and  one-half  inches,  measuring  in  the  direction  in  which 
the  flange  or  flanges  project,  and  provided  that  the  thin  edge  in  the  projecting  flange 
or  arms  of  the  cross  sections  does  not  exceed  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  thickness. 
The  thickness  of  the  fireproof  covering  on  all  surfaces  measuring  more  than  three- 
quarters   of   an    inch   wide    and    measuring   in    a    direction    perpendicular  to   such 
surfaces  shall  be  not  less  than  that  specified  for  interior  columns  in  the  beginning 
of  this  section,  and  all  spaces,  including  channels  or  chases  between  the  fireproof 
covering   and   the   metal   of   the   columns,    shall  be  filled   solid  with  fireproof  ma- 
terial.    Lattice  or  other  open  columns  shall  be  completely  filled  with  approved  ce- 
ment concrete. 


140  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

626.  Columns — Wiring  Clay  Tile  On.)  (a)  Burnt  clay  tile  column  covering  shall 
be  secured  by  winding  wire  around  the  columns  after  the  tile  has  all  been  set  around 
such  columns.  The  wire  shall  be  securely  wound  around  tile  in  such  manner  that 
every  tile  is  crossed  at  least  once  by  a  wire.  If  iron  or  steel  wire  is  used  it  shall 
be  galvanized  and  no  wire  used  shall  be  less  than  number  twelve  gauge. 

(b)  In  places  where  there  is  trucking  or  wheeling,  or  handling  of  packages 
of  any  kind,  the  lower  five  feet  of  every  column  encased  with  hollow  tile  shall  be 
incased  in  a  protective  covering  of  No.  16  U.  S.  Gauge  steel  embedded  in  concrete. 

*627.  Concrete — Approved  Cement — When  Fireproof.)  (a)  All  approved  cement 
concrete  shall  consist  of  a  standard  Portland  cement,  torpedo  sand,  and  crushed 
stone  or  gravel,  or  crushed  blast  furnace  slag,  or  crushed  burnt  clay,  the  volu- 
metric quantity  of  any  one  of  these  materials  in  addition  to  the  torpedo  sand  shall 
not  exceed  eight  times  the  volume  of  the  Portland  cement.  All  of  the  ingredients 
of  cement  concrete  shall  be  thoroughly  worked  and  wet  so  as  to  cover  each  piece 
of  stone  or  gravel  or  slag  or  burnt  clay  with  moistened  cement;  and  the  cement 
and  sand  shall  fill  the  voids  between  the  coarse  material  of  the  cement  concrete. 

(b)  Cement  concrete  to  be  considered  a  fireproof  material  shall  comply  witt 
the  provisions  of  Section  564  and  shall  be  cast  and  worked  in  an  unset  condition 
against  the  metal.  In  all  cases  where  cinder  concrete  is  used,  the  metal  shall  be 
protected  as  required  by  Section  568  of  this  Chapter. 

628.  Concrete  Ingredients.)     (a)  The  separate  ingredients  of  concrete  shall  be 
measured  for  each  batch,  and  shall  be  thoroughly  mixed  and  must  be  uniform  in 
color,  appearance   and  consistency  before   placing.     The   concrete   shall   be  worked 
continuously  with  suitable  tools,  as  it  is  put  in  place,  filling  the  forms  completely. 

(b)  The  sand  to  be  used  for  concrete  shall  be  clean  coarse  sand,  free  from  loam 
or  dirt.    If  crushed  stone  grit  is  used  i{  shall  be  clean,  gritty,  and  free  from  dust. 

(c)  The  stone  to  be  used  in  concrete  shall  be  clean  crushed  hard  stone,  or  clean 
crushed  blast  furnace  slag,  or  gravel,   and  of  a  size  to  pass  through  a   1%-inch 
square  mesh.     If  limestone  or  slag  is  used,  it  shall  be  screened  to  remove  all  dust; 
if  gravel  is  used,  it  shall  be  thoroughly  washed.     Stone  shall  be  drenched  imme- 
diately before  using. 

(d)  In  all  cases,  the  brick  or  hollow  tile,  solid  tile  or  terra  cotta  shall  be 
bedded  in  cement  mortar  close  up  to  the  iron  or  steel  member  and  all  joints  shall 
be  made  full  and  solid. 

629.  Pipes  Enclosed  by  Covering.)   (a)  Pipes  shall  not  be  enclosed  in  the  fire- 
proofing  of  columns  or  in  the  -fireproofing  of  other  structural  members  of  any  fire- 
proof building;  provided,  however,  gas  or  electric  light  conduits  not  exceeding  one 
inch  diameter  may  be  inserted  in  the  outer  three-fourths  inch  of  the  fireproofing  of 
such  structural  member,,  where  such  fireproofing  is  entirely  composed  of  concrete. 

(b)  Pipes  or  conduits  may  rest  upon  the  tops  of  the  steel  floor  beams  or 
girders,  provided  they  are  imbedded  in  cinder  concrete  to  which  slaked  lime  equal  to 
five  per  cent  of  the  volume  of  concrete  has  been  added  before  mixing  or  their 
being  imbedded  in  stone  concrete. 

630.  Shafts — Doors — Frames — Enclosure.)    (a)  In  cases  where  a  pipe,  conduit, 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3997,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  141 

dumb  waiter,  cable  wire,  conveyor,  belt,  or  any  combination  thereof,  passes  from 
one  story  to  another  story  through  an  open  hatch  or  floor  opening,  a  shaft  or  en- 
closure of  fireproof  material  shall  be  built  from  floor  to  floor  around  such  hatch  or 
floor  opening  in  each  story  above  and  below  such  hatch  or  floor  opening  in  the 
same  manner  as  described  for  fireproof  partitions  in  this  Chapter,  and  no  wood  shall 
be  used  in  the  construction,  support  or  fittings  of  such  shaft.  The  area  of  space 
thus  enclosed  shall  not  exceed  the  area  of  the  floor  opening  by  more  than  one 
hundred  per  centum. 

(b)  All   burnt   clay  or  terra   cotta  partitions   or  walls   around   such   shafts 
shall  be  plastered  on  the  outside  and  plastered  or  pointed  on  the  inside. 

(c)  All  doors,   frames,   sashes,   casings   and  windows   in   partitions  or    walls 
around  such  floor  openings  shall  be  built  of  incombustible  material.     The  supports 
of  such  doors,  frames-,  sashes,  casings  and  windows  shall  also  be  of  incombustible 
material.     In  the  case  of  doors,  such  supports  shall  be  of  rolled  structural  metal 
extending  from  floor  to  ceiling  and  secured  to  both.     Where  there  are  brick  walls 
of  twelve  inches  or  more  in  thickness,  the  supports  need  not  extend  to  ceiling  as 
above  specified.     All  glass  used  in  connection  with  such  partitions  or  walls  shall 
be  wired  glass. 

(d)  Such  fireproof  enclosures  may  be  omitted  if  all  of  the  space  in  each  floor 
opening  not  occupied  by  pipes,  conduits,  cables,  wires,  or  any  combination  thereof, 
are  filled  in  solid  with  fireproof  material  not  less  than  eight  inches  thick. 

631.  Spandrel  Beams,   Girders,   Lintel.)      The  metal   of   the  exterior  side   of 
the   spandrel   beams   or  spandrel  girders  of   exterior  walls,   or   lintels  or  exterior 
walls,  which  support  a  part  of  exterior  walls,  shall  be  covered  in  the  same  manner, 
and  with  the  same  material  as  specified  for  the  exterior  columns  in  this  Chapter; 
provided,  however,  that  shelf  angles  connected  to  girders  by  brackets  or  projections 
of  girder  flanges  not  figured  as  part  of  the  flange  section,,  may  come  within  two 
inches  of  the  face  of  the  brick  or  other  covering  of  such  spandrel  beams,  girders  or 
lintels.     The  covering  thickness  shall  be  measured  from  the  extreme  projection  of 
the  metal  in  every  case. 

632.  Bearn^,   Girders   and   Trusses — Coverings   of.)      (a)    The   metal   beams, 
girders  and  trusses  of  the  interior  structural  parts  of  a  building  shall  be  covered 
by  one  of  the  fireproof  materials  hereinbefore  specified  so  applied   as   to  be  sup- 
ported entirely  by  the  beam  or  girder  protected,  and  shall  be  held  in  place  by  the 
support  of  the  flanges  of  such  beams  or  girders  and  by  the  cement  mortar  used  in 
setting. 

(b)  If  the  covering  is  of  brick,  it  shall  be  not  less  than  four  inches  thick;  if 
of  hollow  tiles  or  if  of  solid  porous  tiles,  or  if  of  terra  cotta,  such  tiles  shall  be 
not  less  than  two  inches  thick,  applied  to  the  metal  in  a  bed  of  cement  mortar; 
hollow  tiles  shall  be  constructed  in  such  a  manner  that  there  shall  be  one  air  space 
of  at  least  three-fourths  of  an  inch  by  the  width  of  the  metal  surface  to  be  cov- 
ered within  such  clay  coverings;  the  minimum  thickness  of  concrete  on  the  bottom 
and  sides  of  metal  shall  be  two  inches. 

(c)  The  top  of  all  beams,  girders,  and  trusses,  shall  be  protected  with  not  less 
than  two  inches  of  concrete  or  one  inch  of  burnt  clay  bedded  solid  on  the  metal 
in  cement  mortar. 

(d)  In  all  cases  of  beams,  girders  or  trusses,  in  roofs  or  floors,  the  protection 
of  the  bottom  flanges  of  the  beams  and  girders  and  so  much  of  the  web  of  the  same 
as   is  not  covered  by  the   arches  shall  be   made   as  hereinbefore  specified  for  the 


142  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

covering  of  beams  and  girders.  In  every  case  the  thickness  of  the  covering  shall 
be  measured  from  the  extreme  projection  of  the  metal,  and  the  entire  space  or 
spaces  between  the  covering  and  the  metal  shall  be  filled  solid  with  one  of  the 
fireproof  materials,,  excepting  the  air  spaces  in  hollow  tile. 

(e)  Provided,  however,  that  all  girders  or  trusses  when  supporting  loads  from 
more  than  one  story  shall  be  fireproofed  with  two  thicknesses  of  fireproof  material 
or  a  combination  of  two  fireproof  materials  as  required  for  exterior  columns  in 
Section  625  of  this  Chapter,  and  each  covering  of  fireproof  material  shall  be  bedded 
solid  in  cement  mortar. 

633.  Fireproofing  of  Exterior  Sides   of  Mullions.)     In   buildings   required   by 
this  Chapter  to  be  of  fireproof  construction  on  exposures  where  metal  frames,  doors, 
sash  and  wired  glass  are  not  required,  all  vertical  door  or  window  mullions  over 
eight    inches    wide    shall    be    faced    with    incombustible    material,    and   horizontal 
transom  bars  over  six  inches  wide  shall  be  faced  with  a  fireproof  or  with  an  incom- 
bustible material. 

634.  Fireproof  Covering,,  Independent.)     The  fireproof  covering  of  brick,  con- 
crete, burnt  clay  tiles,  hollow  terra  cotta  or  of  a  combination  of  any  two  of  these 
materials    shall   be   applied   to   all   of   the   structural   members   of  the   exterior  of 
a  fireproof  building  previous  to  and  independent  of  the  application  of  the  archi- 
tectural facing  of  such  fireproof  building  with   an  incombustible  or  fireproof  ma- 
terial. 

635.  Walls,  Support  and   Fireproofing   of.)     Where    skeleton   construction   is 
used  for  the  whole  or  part  of  a  building  the  enveloping  material  and  the  walls 
shall  be  independently  supported  on  the  skeleton  frame  for  each  individual  story. 

636.  Iron  or  Steel  Plates  for  Support  of  Wall.)    Where  iron  or  steel  plates  or 
angles  are  used  in  each  story  for  the  support  of  the  facings  of  the  walls  of  such 
story,  such  plates  or  angles  shall  be  of  sufficient  strength  to  carry  the  weight  within 
the  limits  of  fibre  stress  for  iron  and  steel  elsewhere  specified  in  this  Chapter  of 
the  enveloping  material   for  such  story,  and  such  plates  or  angles  may  extend  to 
within  two  inches  of  the  exterior  of  such  covering. 

637.  Cut-Out  Boxes,  Chaises,   Etc. — Fireproof  Covering.)       Xo  electric   service 
cut-out  box,  switch  box,  cabinet,  chase  or  any  other  recess,  shall  encroach  on  the 
minimum   thickness   required  for   any   fireproof   covering  on   structural  metal,   ex- 
cept as   provided  in  this  Chapter.     If  the  depth   of  any  cut-out  box,   switch   box, 
cabinet,  or  chase,  or  if  any  other  recess  is  to  be  concealed,  or  partially  concealed, 
then  the  thickness  of  the  fireproof  covering  shall  be  increased  correspondingly. 

638.  Segmental  and  Flat  Arches.)     (a)  Segmental  arches  shall  have  a  rise  of  at 
least  one  inch  for  each  foot  of  span  of  arch. 

(b)  The  least  thickness  of  a  hollow  tile  or  porous  terra  cotta  segmental  arch 
shall  be  one-half  of  an  inch   per   foot   of  span,  but  no  such  hollow  tile  or  terra 
cotta  arch  shall  be  of  a  thickness  less  than  five  inches. 

(c)  Both  flat  and  segmental  arches  shall  be  so  constructed  that  the  joints  of 
the  same  radiate  from  u  common  center  and  there  shall  be  a  cross  rib  for  every 
four  inches,  or  fractional  part  thereof,  in  height  in  each  tile  block.     The  skew  back 
of  the  arches  shall  be  carefully  fitted  to  the  beams  supporting  them,  and,  in  addition 
to  the  cross  ribs,  there  shall  be  additional  diagonal  re-enforcing  ribs  in  the  skew 
back.     Such  arches,  whether  flat  or  curved,  shall  have  their  beds  well  filled  with 
cement  mortar,  and  the  centers  shall  not  be  struck  until  the  mortar  has  set. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  143 

(d)  Burnt  clay  skewbacks  shall  be  molded  in  such  a  manner  as  to  support 
the  burnt  clay  covering  on  the  under  sides  of  beams  or  girders. 

639.  Fireproof    Floor    and    Roof    Construction.)      Brick,,    hollow    tile,   porous 
terra  cotta,  or  approved  cement  concrete,  or  approved  cinder  concrete,  shall  be  used 
for  the  construction  of  floor  and  roofs  of  fireproof  buildings.     Flat  arch  hollow  tile, 
or  flat  arch  porous  clay  tile  floor  arches  shall  have  a  height  of  at  least  one  and 
one-half  inches  for  each  foot  of  span. 

640.  Wood  Flooring  and  Nailing  Strips,    (a)  Wood  flooring  and  wooden  nailing 
strips  for  such  flooring  may  be  used  in  fireproof  buildings. 

(b)  Where  such  flooring  is  used  in  a  fireproof  building,  the  space  immediately 
under  the  flooring,  and  between  the  nailing  strips  and  under  such  nailing  strips, 
shall  be  filled  with  a  cement  or  a  cinder  concrete  tamped  into  place  in  an  unset 
state,  or  with  such  other  incombustible  material  as  shall  be  approved  by  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings. 

641.  Partitions  in  Fireproof  Buildings.)     (a)   Where  stairs,   shafts   and  ele- 
vators are  enclosed  they  shall  be  enclosed  in  fireproof  partitions,  as  described  in 
Section  642  of  this  Chapter;  all  other  partitions  shall  be  incombustible  partitions. 
Where  blocks  are  used  for  building  partitions  or  as  enclosing  walls,  the  joints  shall 
be  well  filled  with  mortar. 

(b)  The  partitions  shall  be  wedged  tight  between  floor  and  ceilings  with  in- 
combustible wedges. 

642.  Partitions — Fireproof — Incombustible.)      (a)     Only  fireproof  material  shall 
be  used  for  fireproof  partitions;  if  of  brick,  they  shall  be  not  less  than  four  inches 
thick,   and   if  of  partition  blocks,  not  less   than  three   inches   thick.     If  fireproof 
partitions    are    of   reinforced    concrete    they    shall    be    not    less   than   three    inches 
thick. 

(b)  All    fireproof  partitions   required   by   this   ordinance   shall    be    supported 
directly  on  the  steel  construction,  or  on  the  fireproof  floor  arches,  or  on  concrete,  or 
on  brick. 

(c)  Only  fireproof  or  incombustible  material  shall  be  used  in  the  construction 
of  partitions   not  required   to   be  fireproof,  excepting  that  frames,   casings,  doors, 
sash    and   the   rough    carpenter   work   required  for  the   proper   fastenings   of   such 
frames,  casings,  doors  or  sash,  may  be  of  wood,  and  that  ordinary  glass  may  be 
used  in  doors  and  partition  windows. 

(d)  All  corridor  partitions  of  incombustible  or  fireproof  material  in  fireproof 
buildings,  shall  be  supported  directly  on  the  steel  construction,  on  the  fireproof  floor 
arches,  on  concrete  or  on  brick. 

643.  Stairs — Landings.)      (a)     Stairs  in  fireproof  buildings  shall  be  built  of 

approved  cement  concrete,  reinforced  concrete,  stone  or  metal,  or  a  combination  of 
one  or  more  of  such  materials. 

(b)     The  handrails  of  such  stairways  may  be  of  wood. 

(c)  If    stairs   are  constructed   of    solid   stone    or   plain   concrete,   having  the 
tread  and  riser  in  one  piece,  then  there  shall  be  not  less  than  sixty  square  inches  of 
stone  or  concrete  in  the  cross  section  of  such  combined  tread  and  riser. 

(d)  If  stone  treads  have  less  than  sixty  inches  of  cross  section  and  platforms 
less  than  seven  inches  in  thickness  are  used,  they  shall  have  a  metal  sub-tread  and 
sub-platform   three   thirty-seconds  of  an   inch   thick. 


144 


CITY   OF   CHICAGO 


(e)  If  platforms  have  a  floor  arch  sub-construction  as  described  in  Sections 
638  and  639  of  this  Chapter,  then  the  metal  sub-platform  may  be  omitted. 

644.  Roofs— Rise  of  Roof  Above  Limit  of  Height.)     In  the  case  of  buildings 
which  are  fireproof  in  their  construction,  the  roof  may  rise  above  the  limit  of  height 
of  wall  fixed  by  this  chapter  for  such  buildings  at  a  slope  not  to  exceed  thirty 
degrees  with  the  horizon,  and  to  a  height  not  exceeding  twenty   feet   above  such 
limitation  of  the  height  of  the  wall.     The  space  enclosed  by  such  roof  above  the 
limitation  of  the  height  of  such  wall  may  be  used  as  an  inclosure  for  pipes,  ven- 
tilating or  elevator  machinery  or  for  ventilating  ducts,  but  it  shall  not  be  lawful 
to  use  such  space  for  purposes  of  storage,  business  or  residence. 

645.  Sheet  Metal  Work — Support  of.)    Wood  shall  not  be  used  as  the  support 
of  any  sheet  metal  work  or  of  any  gutter  or  cornice  of  a  building  more  than  ninety 
feet  in  height. 

ARTICLE   XIV. 

SLOW    BURNING   CONSTRUCTION. 

646.  Slow-Burning  Construction  Denned.)  The  term  "Slow-Burning  Construc- 
tion" shall  apply  to  all  buildings  in  which  the  structural  members,  other  than  walls 
elsewhere  required  to  be  of  masonry,  which  carry  the  loads  and  strains  which  come 
upon  the  floor  and  roofs  thereof  are  made  wholly  or  in  part  of  combustible  material, 
but  throughout  which  the  structural  metallic  members,  if  used,  shall  be  protected 
against  injury  from  fire  by  coverings  of  fireproof  material.      The    lower   five    feet 
of  metal   columns  shall  be  protected   as  required  in   Section  634  of  this  Chapter. 
Underside  of  joists  shall  be  protected  by  a  covering  of  three  coats  of  plaster  laid 
on  metal  lath ;  and  a  layer  of  mortar  or  other  incombustible  material  at  least  one 
and  one-half  inches  thick  shall  be  applied  on  all  floors  and  roof  surfaces  above  the 
joists  of  the  same. 

*647.  Posts,  Girders  and  Partitions.)  Wood  posts,  if  used,  shall  be  of  not 
less  than  one  hundred  square  inches  sectional  area.  Wood  girders,  if  used,  shall 
be  of  not  less  than  seventy-two  square  inches  sectional  area.  All  partitions  in 
buildings  of  this  type  shall  be  made  entirely  of  incombustible  material.  Wood 
furring,  wood  studs  and  wood  lath  shall  not  be  permitted  in  buildings  of  this  type. 

648.  Stairs,  Construction  of.)    Where  buildings  are  required  to  be  of  "slow- 
burning"  construction,  all  stairs  in  such  building  shall  be  of  incombustible  material, 
except  as  hereinafter  provided.    Said  stairs  may  be  of  ordinary  construction,  if  said 
building  is  equipped  with  an  automatic  sprinkler  system,  and  stairs  are  enclosed 
in  a  fireproof  wall. 

ARTICLE    XV. 

MILL    CONSTRUCTION. 

649.  Definition— Mill  Construction  Requirements.)   The  term  "Mill  Construc- 
tion" shall  apply  to  all  buildings  in  which  wooden  posts,  if  used,  have  a  sectional 
area  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  stjuare  inches,  and  wooden  girders  and  joists  a 
sectional  area  of  not  less  than  seventy-two  square  inches,  and  roofs,  if  of  wood,  a 
thickness  of  not  less  than  two  and  five-eighths  inches  in  a  single  layer,  and  floors, 
if  of  wood,  a  thickness  of  not  less  than  three  and  one-half  inches  in  not  more  than 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3997,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  145 

two  layers,  the  lower  one  of  which  shall  be  not  less  than  two  and  five-eighths  inches 
in  thickness,  and  in  which  all  structural  metallic  members,  if  used,  are  fireproofed 
as  required  for  fireproof  construction  and  in  which  all  floors  and  roofs  not  con- 
structed as  above  are  of  fireproof  construction  as  elsewhere  required  for  fireproof 
construction  in  this  ordinance. 

*650.  Fireproofing.)  (a)  Partitions  in  buildings  of  mill  construction  shall 
be  made  entirely  of  incombustible  material.  If  iron  columns,  girders,  or  beams 
are  used  in  buildings  of  this  type  they  shall  be  protected  as  specified  in  this  Chap- 
ter; but  the  wooden  posts,  girders  and  joists  need  not  be  protected  by  fireproof 
covering.  Wood  furring,  wood  studs  and  wood  lath  shall  not  be  permitted  in 
buildings  of  this  type. 

(b)  If  reinforced  cinder  concrete  construction  is  used  in  the  structural  parts 
of  a  building  which  is  required  to  be  of  slow-burning  or  mill  construction  by  this 
Chapter,  then  all  partitions  shall  be  of  incombustible  material  and  all  parts  other 
than  structural  parts  and  partitions  of  the  building  shall  be  as  required  for  slow- 
burning  or  mill  construction  buildings  by  this  Chapter. 

651.     Stair  Construction   Where   Automatic  Sprinkler   System  is   Installed.) 

In  buildings  required  to  be  of  "mill  construction,"  all  stairs  in  such  buildings 
shall  be  of  "incombustible"  material,  except  as  hereinafter  provided.  Said  stairs 
may  be  of  wood  construction  if  said  building  is  equipped  with  an  automatic 
sprinkler  system  and  stairs  are  enclosed  in  a  fireproof  wall. 


ARTICLE    XVI. 

ORDINARY   CONSTRUCTION. 

052.  Ordinary  Construction  Defined.)  The  term  "Ordinary  Construction"  as 
used  in  this  Chapter,  means  the  ordinary  system  of  construction  in  which  timber 
and  iron  structural  parts  are  not  protected  with  fire-resisting  coverings  and  in 
which  the  walls  are  of  masonry  built  as  required  by  this  Chapter. 


ARTICLE  XVII. 

FRAME      BUILDINGS. 

653.  Repairing  of  Frame  Buildings  Within  Fire  Limits.)  Frame  buildings  with- 
in the  fire  limits  which  have  been  damaged  by  fire,  decay  or  otherwise,  to  an  extent 
not  greater  than  fifty  per  cent  of  their  value  may  be  repaired,  provided  there  is  no 
increase  in  size  of  such  buildings  over  their  original  dimensions,  and,,  provided  that 
incombustible  roof  covering  required  by  Section  596  is  used.  And,  provided,  further, 
that  where  any  frame  building  is  raised  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  basement 
story  under  the  same,  the  walls  enclosing  such  basement  shall  be  of  masonry. 

t654.  Frame  Buildings  Prohibited— Exceptions. )   (a)  Hereafter  no  frame  building 
shall  be  erected,  nor  any  frame  addition  made  to  any  existing  frame  building,  within 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3998,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings 
of  the  City  Council. 

fAs  amended  by  ordinance  passed  March  19,  1912,,  adding  paragraph  (c).  See 
page  3263,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council. 


146  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

0 

the  fire  limits  of  the  city,  except  where  express  provision  is  made  in  this  Chapter 
therefor. 

(b)  Outside  the  fire  limits  it  shall  be  lawful  to  erect  frame  buildings  not 
exceeding  forty  feet  in  height  from  the  sidewalk  to  the  highest  point  of  roof.     If 
such  frame  buildings  have  a  basement  story  of  masonry,  their  height  above  the  side- 
walk may  be  made  not  to  exceed  forty-five  feet.     Provided,  however,  that  in  no  case 
shall  any  portion  of  any  frame  building  above  the  second  floor  be  used  as  a  separate 
living  apartment. 

(c)  It  shall  be  lawful  to  surround  frame  buildings  with   a  veneer  of  brick 
not   less   than    four    inches    in    thickness,    provided    the    said   brick    is    not    carried 
higher  than  the  second  story,  or  twenty-two  feet  above  the  basement  ceiling;  and 
provided  further,  that  the  said  veneer  is  anchored  to  the  studding  or  other  frame 
construction   in   a   manner   satisfactory   to   the   Commissioner   of   Buildings.      Such 
brick  veneer  is  not  to  be  placed  on  gables  or  any  other  parts  of  frame  buildings 
above  the  height  herein  specified.     All  frame  buildings  which  it  is  desired  to  sur- 
round   with    brick    veneer    must    have    their   basement    walls    and    foundations    of 
solid  masonry,  as  provided  in  Section  658  of  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911. 

655.  Frame  Buildings  Within  the  Fire  Limits  Changed  Into  Flat  Buildings- 
Fire  Walls.)  Whenever  any  frame  building  within  the  fire  limits  shall  be  remodeled, 
altered  or  changed  for  the  purpose  of  using  the  same  for  flats  or  apartments,  or 
whenever  such  frame  buildings  shall  be  occupied  for  flat  or  apartment  purposes,  each 
suite  of  apartments  in  such  building  shall  be  separated  from  every  other  suite  of 
apartments  in  such  building  by  a  wall  of  incombustible  material,  of  such  dimen- 
sions and  thickness  as  required  by  this  Chapter. 

656.  Frame  Buildings — Raising — Requirements — Changing  Gable  or  Hip  Roofs 
to  Flat  Roofs.)     Permission  may  be  granted  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  for 
the  raising  of  existing  frame  buildings,  whether  within  or  without  the  fire  limits, 
to  the  limits  of  height  hereinbefore  fixed  for  new  frame  buildings,  and  no  more,  and 
inside  the  fire  limits  for  the  purpose  of  putting  a  masonry  basement  thereunder. 
The  Commissioner  of  Buildings  is  also  authorized   to  issue   permits  for  changing 
gable  or  hip  roofs  of  existing  frame  buildings  to  flat  roofs,  and  for  the  raising  of 
walls  incident  to  such  change.     But  if  such  hip  or  gable  roof  is  changed  to  a  flat 
roof  and  the  walls  raised  in  connection  with  such  change,  the  total  cubic  contents 
included  by  the  walls  so  raised  and  the  roofs  so  altered  shall  not  exceed  the  cubic 
contents  originally,  included  in  such  gable  or  hip  root  and  in  no  case  shall  a  two- 
story  and  attic  building  be  converted  into  a  three-story  building  thereby. 

657.  Frame  Buildings  Carried  to  a  Uniform  Height.)     Where  the  different 
parts  of  a  frame  building  inside  the  fire  limits  are  of  different  heights  a  one-story 
portion  may  be  raised  to  the  height  of  two  stories,  provided  the  greatest  height 
thereof  does  not  exceed  the  limits  of  height  prescribed  in  this  Chapter  for  frame 
buildings,   and,   provided,   that   no   room   in   the   existing   building  or   in   the   ad- 
dit'.on  thereto  shall  violate  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter  for  habitable  rooms. 

•"058.  Basement  or  Story  Placed  Beneath  Frame  Buildings.)  A  frame  building- 
may  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  basement  or  story,  or  both,  thereunder, 
but  the  principal  floor  of  such  frame  building  shall  not  be  raised  to  a  higher  level 
than  sixteen  feet  above  the  grade  of  the  sidewalk  upon  which  such  premises  abut. 
Where  a  building  so  raised  one  story  in  height  only  and  the  same  is  raised  so  as 


*As   amended   July    8,  -1912.     See   page    1047,   Journal   of   the   Proceedings    of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  147 

to  permit  a  basement  under  the  same  not  to  exceed  six  feet  six  inches  in  height 
from  the  basement  floor  to  the  ceiling  of  said  basement,  the  said  house  may  be 
placed  upon  cedar  posts.  In  all  other  cases  the  walls  inclosing  such  basement  or 
story  shall  be  of  masonry  and  not  less  than  twelve  inches  thick,  except  where 
a  one-story  frame  building  is  raised  and  has  a  basement  only  built  thereunder, 
the  masonry  walls  of  such  basement  may  be  eight  inches  thick  above  grade  and 
twelve  inches  thick  below.  The  foundation  of  such  wall  shall  be  constructed  as 
provided  in  this  Chapter;  provided,  however,  that  no  frame  building  shall  be 
raised  for  the  purpose  of  constructing  a  basement  or  story,  or  both,  under  the 
same  to  a  greater  height  to  the  top  of  its  roof  than  that  elsewhere  herein  given 
as  the  maximum  height  above  grade  for  frame  buildings.  The  thickness  of  wans 
hereinbefore  required  shall  also  apply  to  brick  walls  in  new  frame  buildings. 

*659.  Chimneys  in  Frame  Buildings — Chimney  Flues  Through  Partitions.)  (a) 
Chimneys  in  frame  buildings  shall  be  built  as  required  by  Section  584  of  this 
Chapter.  The  wood  framing  of  frame  buildings  shall  be  trimmed  around  chim- 
neys in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  come  within  two  inches  of  the  same. 

(b)  Metal  smoke  pipes  or  tile  flues  shall  not  extend  through  the  floors  or  through 
the  ceiling  or  roof  of  any  building;  and  where  such  smoke  pipes  or  tile  flues  pass 
through  partitions  the  woodwork  of  such  partitions  shall  be  protected  by  a  sheet 
metal  ventilated  tin  thimble  at  least  twelve  inches  greater  in  diameter  than  tlie 
diameter  of  the  flue. 

660.  Lot  Lines — Requirements  as  to — Number — Dimensions.)  Frame  build- 
ings, excepting  sheds  not  exceeding  three  hundred  square  feet  in  area  shall  not  be 
built  nearer  than  one  foot  to  any  line  of  the  lot  upon  which  they  are  built,  street 
and  alley  lines  excepted,  except  as  hereinafter  provided.  It  shall  not  be  lawful  to 
erect  a  frame  building  wider  than  forty  feet  nor  deeper  than  seventy  feet,  unless 
such  building  be  divided  by  a  fire  wall  or  fire  walls,  built  of  incombustible  material 
and  of  a  thickness  of  not  less  than  four  inches  and  of  construction  to  be  approved 
by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  so  that  no  more  than  two  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred square  feet  of  superficial  area  shall  be  contained  in  any  section  or  part  of  such 
building,  uninclosed  by  such  fire  wall,  and  if  openings  are  inserted  in  such  fire  walls, 
then  such  walls  shall  be  built  of  brick  not  less  than  eight  inches  thick,  and  such 
openings  shall  have  doors  as  described  in  Section  573.  Each  section  of  such  buildings 
shall  be  regarded  as  a  separate  building  for  the  purpose  of  determining  the  num- 
ber and  construction  of  its  stairways  and  means  of  egress.  If  more  than  one 
frame  building  is  built  in  the  direction  of  the  depth  of  any  one  lot,  such  buildings 
shall  not  be  built  with  a  less  distance  than  ten  feet  between  them,  except  where 
both  buildings  are  used  for  living  purposes,  and  in  that  case  the  distance  shall  be 
governed  by  Sections  439  and  440  of  this  Chapter. 

*661.  Sheds— Open  Shelter — Height  of  Walls  and  Foundations— Enclosed.)  (a) 
Except  as  hereinafter  provided,  open  shelter  sheds  not  exceeding  eight  hundred 
square  feet  in  area,  not  exceeding  fourteen  feet  in  height  from  the  ground, 
may  be  erected  within  the  fire  limits,  provided  they  have  roofing  of  incombustible 
material  and  the  highest  point  is  not  over  fifteen  feet  above  the  ground,  and 
provided  that  the  roofs  be  supported  on  sufficient  posts  or  piers;  provided, 
however,  that  such  sheds  may  be  built  with  an  area  not  to  exceed  sixteen  hundred 
square  feet,  if  they  are  kept  at  least  twenty-five  feet  from  any  lot  line  and  any 

*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  pages  3998  and  3999,  Journal  of  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  City  Council. 


148  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

other  building  or  structure.  Such  sheds  shall  have  no  combustible  enclosing  walls  or 
wooden  floors,  except  that  a  floor  of  two- inch  planking  laid  directly  upon  the  ground 
may  be  used.  Such  sheds  shall  only  be  erected  upon  the  rear  of  the  lot,  and  not 
more  than  one  such  shelter  shed  or  any  other  shed  shall  be  erected  on  any  lot  of 
twenty-five  feet  in  width. 

(b)  If  it  is  desired  to  enclose  an  open  shelter  shed,  the  enclosing  walls  shall  be 
made  of  brick,  hollow  tile,  or  other  incombustible  material,  and  such  walls  shall 
have  foundations  extending  to  solid  ground  and  at  least  four  feet  below  the  surface 
of  the  ground. 

(c)  Open  shelter  sheds  may  be  erected  outside  the  fire  limits  not  to  exceed 
twenty-eight  hundred  square  feet  in  area  and  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings;  provided,  however,  that  shelter  sheds  which  comply  in  other 
respects  with  the  requirements  of  this   section,  may  be  built  not  to  exceed  nine 
thousand  square  feet  in  area  where  such  sheds  are  located  at  least  twenty  feet  dis- 
tant from  any  other  structure  and  from  any  lot  line. 

(d)  Sheds  not  exceeding  fourteen  feet  in  height  from  the  ground  to  the  high- 
est point  thereof,  and  not  exceeding  three  hundred  square  feet  in  area,  with  an 
incombustible  roof,  may  be  constructed  of  wood  within  the  fire  limits.     Such  sheds 
shall  not  be  located  on  the  front  part  of  any  lot,  nor  shall  they  be  used  as  a  dwell- 
ing or  as  an  addition  to  a  dwelling  house,  or  for  any  business  purpose  whatever, 
nor  shall  more  than  one  shed  be  erected  on  any  one  building  lot  of  twenty-five 
feet  in  width. 

663.  Sheds— Coal,  Brick,  Stone,  Cement  and  Salt  Sheds  and  Sheds  for  Icing 
Cars  Along  Railroad  Tracks  and  Navigable  Streams.)  Open  shelter  sheds  to  be 
used  for  the  storage  or  handling  of  coal,  brick,  stone,  cement,  salt  or  such  commodi- 
ties which  are  incombustible,  or  for  the  icing  of  cars,  may  be  erected  within  or  with- 
out the  fire  limits  upon,  along  or  adjacent  to  steam  railroad  tracks,  or  along  or  ad- 
jacent to  navigable  waters;  provided,  such  sheds  shall  have  incombustible  roofing 
and  shall  not  exceed  35  feet  in  height  from  the  ground  to  the  highest  point  of  the 
roof;  provided,  further,  that  said  sheds  shall  be  located  at  least  25  feet  distant  from 
any  other  structure  and  from  any  side  lot  line.  If  it  is  desired  or  intended  to  enclose 
any  such  sheds,  the  enclosing  walls  shall  be  of  incombustible  material.  No  such  shed 
shall  be  built  upon  any  lot  or  parcel  of  ground  fronting  upon  any  street  within  75 
feet  of  any  building  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  unless  the  consent  of 
the  owners  of  the  majority  of  the  frontage  on  both  sides  of  such  street  between  the 
two  nearest  intersecting  cross  streets  shall  first  have  been  obtained  by  the  person, 
firm  or  corporation  desiring  to  erect  and  maintain  such  shed,  and  said  written  con- 
sents shall  be  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  before  a  permit  shall  be  is- 
sued for  such  shed. 

*663.  Ice  Houses.)  (a)  Houses  within  the  fire  limits  to  be  used  exclusively 
for  the  storage  of  ice,  not  exceeding  forty-five  feet  in  height,  and  of  a  floor  area 
not  exceeding  9,000  square  feet,  may  be  constructed  of  wood  with  incombustible 
roofing,  the  walls  to  be  enclosed  with  an  envelope  of  incombustible  material;  eight- 
inch  walls  of  brick  or  tile  or  approved  cement  concrete  with  proper  foundations  of 
masonry  shall  be  used  for  such  envelopes. 

(b)  Houses  to  be  used  exclusively  for  the  storage  of  ice,  located  outside  of  the 
fire  limits  and  contiguous  to  any  lake  and  six  hundred  feet  from  any  other  building. 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.  See  page  3999,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  149 

except  buildings  used  in  connection  with  the  conduct  of  said  business,  may  be  con- 
structed of  frame  with  incombustible  roofing,  and  the  floor  area  of  any  such  building 
shall  not  exceed  eighty  thousand  square  feet,  unless  the  building  is  divided  by  a  solid 
wall  of  masonry  for  each  additional  80,000  square  feet  of  floor  area,  or  fractional 
part  thereof;  and  shall  extend  at  each  end  not  less  than  one  foot  beyond  the  en- 
closure of  said  building  and  such  wall  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

(c)  Houses  to  be  used  exclusively  for  the  storage  of  ice,  located  outside  of  the 
fire  limits,  and  contiguous  to  railroad  tracks  and  not  within  one  hundred  feet  of 
any  other  building,  may  be  constructed  of  frame  with  incombustible  roofing,  and 
the  floor  area  of  any  such  building  shall  not  exceed  20,000  square  feet  unless  the 
building  is  divided  by  a  solid  wall  of  masonry  for  each  additional  20,000  square 
feet  of  floor  area  or  fractional  part  thereof;   said  wall  shall  extend  at  least  one 
foot  beyond  the  enclosure  of  said  building  on  each  end  and  shall  be  approved  by 
the  Department  of  Buildings. 

(d)  All  dividing  walls  must  extend  through  and  above  the  roof  of  any  building 
in  which  they  are  built  to  a  distance  of  three  feet  and  must  be  covered  with  incom- 
bustible coping.    No  dividing  wall  shall  be  of  less  thickness  than  twelve  inches 
at  any  point  thereof. 

*664.  Lumber  Yards — Not  to  Be  Located  Near  Residence  Except  by  Consent.) 
No  person  or  corporation  shall  establish,  maintain,  conduct  or  operate  within 
the  fire  limits  of  the  City,  as  the  same  are  now  and  may  hereafter  be 
defined  by  ordinance,  any  lumber  yard  or  place  where  new  or  sec- 
ond-hand lumber  is  kept  for  sale  or  is  stored  for  seasoning  or  dry- 
ing on  any  premises  fronting  on  any  street  in  any  block  where  two- 
thirds  of  the  buildings  on  any  street  surrounding  any  such  block  are  used 
exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  unless  the  written  consent  of  the  owners  of  a 
majority  of  the  frontage  on  both  sides  of  all  the  streets  surrounding  the  block  in 
which  it  is  proposed  to  locate,  establish,  conduct  or  maintain  such  lumber  yard  or 
place,  be  first  obtained  by  the  person  or  corporation  desiring  to  establish,  maintain 
or  operate  such  lumber  yard  or  place,  consenting  to  the  issuance  of  a  permit  from 
the  Department  of  Buildings  and  also  consenting  that  a  license  for  the  establish- 
ment, keeping  or  maintenance  of  such  lumber  yard  or  place  shall  be  issued  by  the 
city.  Such  written  consent  shall  accompany  the  application  for  a  license  and  build- 
ing permit  made  by  such  person  or  corporation. 

1665.  Storage  of  Lumber  Near  Planing  Mill  or  Private  Residence,  Tenement 
House  or  Hotel. )  No  lumber  shall  be  piled  within  the  fire  limits  of  the  city  as  the 
same  are  now  or  may  hereafter  be  defined  by  ordinance,  for  the  purpose  of  storing, 
seasoning  or  drying  the  same,  within  fifty  feet  of  any  planing  mill  or  woodwork- 
ing manufactory,  nor  within  one  hundred  feet  of  any  private  residence,  tenement 
house  or  hotel,  unless  the  same  has  been  erected  since  the  establishment  of  such 
yard. 

ARTICLE   XVIII. 

STAIRWAYS. 

666.      Stairways,    Number — Location — Construction.)       (a)      Fireproof    office 

*  As  amended  May  6,  1912.  See  page  129,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 

tAs  amended  February  24,  1913.  See  page  3890,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


150  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

buildings  existing  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance  which  are  equipped 
either  with  one  stairway  and  two  or  more  stairway  fire  escapes  or  with  two  stair- 
ways and  one  or  more  stairways  fire  escapes,  shall  not  be  required  to  have  addi- 
tional stairways  or  stairway  fire  escapes. 

(b)  Except  as  otherwise   expressly  provided  in   this  Article,  it  shall  be  un- 
lawful to  construct  or  maintain  any  building  or  structure  of  Classes  I,  II  and  VII 
unless  its  stairway  or  stairways  comply  with  the  following  provisions: 

(c)  In  every  existing  building  of  ordinary  construction  having  an  area  greater 
than  9,000  square  feet,  or  of  mill  or  slow-burning  construction  greater  than  12,000 
square   feet,  there   shall  be  not  less  than  three   stairways.     The   width   of   stairs 
shall   be   at   least   eighty    per   cent    of   the   width   of   stairs    as    computed   by    the 
formulae  given  herein  and  in  no  case  less  than  twelve  feet. 

(d)  Every  building  shall  have  at  least  one  stairway  from  the  ground  to  the 
top  floor  and  one  stairway  from  the  lowest  basement  or  cellar  to  the  street  grade, 
and  no  stairway  shall  be  less  than  three  feet  in  width. 

(e)  The  width  of  stairs  required  for  a  building  shall  be  construed  as  the  total 
width  of  all  stairways  required  on  the  building.     Stairs  shall  be  measured  between 
the  wall  and  hand  rail  for  a  single  stair  and  between  hand  rails  where  two  or  more 
handrails  are  required  by  this  Chapter. 

(f)  In  buildings  of  Class  I  and  Class  Ha  the  width  of  stairs  and  fire  escapes 
required  for  a  building  shall  be  determined  by  the  floor  area  measured  on  the  third 
floor  of  the  building  and  such  area  shall  not  include  walls,  columns,  stairs,  elevator 
shafts,  well  holes,  chimneys  and  corridors.    In  all  cases  where  the  building  is  less 
than  three  stories  in  height  the  width  of  stairs  shall  be  determined  by  the  floor 
area  of  the  second  floor  as  hereinafter  specified. 

*667.  Stairs— Number  and  Width  of  in  Classes  I,  II  and  VII.)  (a)  In  build- 
ings of  Class  lib,  Class  lie  and  Class  VII  the  number  and  width  of  the  stairs  and 
fire  escapes  shall  be  determined  by  the  area  of  that  portion  of  the  third  floor  not 
occupied  by  walls,  columns,  stairs,  elevator  shafts  and  well  holes. 

In  buildings  of  Class  I,  II  and  VII  the  number  and  width  of  stairs  required 
shall  be  as  follows: 

(b)  IN    ORDINARY    CONSTRUCTION. 

With  flo*r  area  of  5,000  square  feet  or  less,  two  stairways; 

With  floor  area  of  5,000  to  9,000  square  feet,  three  stairways. 

Provided,  however,  that  in  buildings  of  ordinary  construction,  existing  prior 
to  December  5,  1910,  with  floor  area  of  5,000  square  feet  or  less,  one  stairway 
only  shall  be  required  where  the  building  is  also  equipped  with  an  outside  stairway 
fire  escape,  and  in  all  such  buildings  with  floor  area  of  from  5,000  to  9,000  square 
feet,  two  stairways  only  shall  be  required;  provided  such  building  is  also  equipped 
with  an  outside  stairway  fire  escape. 

Where  such  buildings  are  equipped  with  ladder  fire  escapes,  erected  in  com- 
pliance with  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago  now  in  force,  one-half  the 
width  of  such  ladder  fire  escape  shall  be  credited  in  computing  the  width  of 
stairs  required  therein. 


*As   amended  July  22,   1912.     See   page    1671,   Journal   of  the  Proceedings   of 
the   Citv  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  151 

(c)  The  width  of   stairs  required  in  buildings  of  ordinary   construction   shall 
be  computed  as  follows: 

The  width  of  stairs  in  inches  shall  be  equal  to  the  result  obtained  by  deducting 
3,000  from  the  floor  area  of  the  building  in  square  feet  and  multiplying  the  re- 
mainder by  twelve  and  dividing  the  product  by  1,000  and  adding  72  inches  to  the 
quotient,  expressed  in  the  formula  as  follows: 

(area— 3,000)  times  12 

72  inches  plus  

1,000 

(d)  IN    MILL    OB    SLOW-BURNING    CONSTRUCTION. 

With  floor  area  of  6,000  square  feet  or  less,  two  stairways. 
With  floor  area  of  6,000  to  12,000  square  feet,  three  stairways. 

(e)  The  width  of  stairs  required  in  buildings  of  mill  or  slow-burning  construc- 
tion shall  be  computed  as  follows: 

The  width  of  stairs  in  inches  shall  be  equal  to  the  result  obtained  by  deducting 
3,000  from  the  floor  area  of  the  building  in  feet  and  multiplying  the  remainder 
by  eight  and  dividing  the  product  by  1,000,  and  adding  72  inches  to  the  quotient; 
expressed  in  the  formula  as  follows: 

(area— 3,000)    times  8 

72  inches  plus  

1,000 

(f)  IN    FIREPROOF    CONSTRUCTION. 

With  floor  area  of  7,000  square  feet  or  less,  two  stairways. 
With  floor  area  of  7,000  to  15,000  square  feet,  three  stairways. 
With  floor  area  of   15,000  to  21,000  square  feet,  four  stairways. 
With  floor  area  of  21..000  square  feet  and  over,  five  stairways. 

(g)  Provided,  however,  that  in  fireproof  buildings  having  un  area  of  21,000 
square  feet  or  more  only  four  stairways  shall  be  required  if  such  building  is  com- 
pletely equipped  with  an  approved  automatic  sprinkler  system. 

(h)  The  width  of  stairs  required  in  buildings  of  fireproof  construction  shall 
be  computed  as  follows: 

The  width  of  stairs  in  inches  shall  be  equal  to  the  result  obtained  by  deducting 
3,000  from  the  floor  area  of  the  building  in  feet  and  multiplying  the  remainder 
by  six  and  dividing  the  product  by  1,000,  and  adding  72  inches  to  the  quotient; 
expressed  in  the  formula  as  follows: 

(area — 3..000)   times  6 

72  inches  plus  

1,000 

(i)  Provided,  however,  that  where  buildings  of  Class  I  are  of  fireproof  con- 
struction and  are  used  solely  for  storage  warehouse  purposes  and  the  number  of 
persons  employed  on  any  one  floor  does  not  exceed  the  number  specified  hereafter 
in  this  section  they  shall  comply  as  to  number  of  stairways  as  follows: 

With  floor  area  less  than  8,000  square  feet  where  not  more  than  ten  persons 
are  employed  on  a  floor,  two  stairways. 

With  floor  area  greater  than  8,000  square  feet  and  less  than  15,000  square  feet 
where  not  more  than  fifteen  persons  are  employed  on  a  floor,  three  stairways. 


152  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

With  flooi  area  greater  than  15,000  square  feet  where  not  more  than  twenty 
persons  are  employed  on  a  floor,  four  stairways. 

(j)     The  width  of  stairs  shall  be  computed  as  follows: 

The  width  of  stairs  in  inches  shall  be  equal  to  the  result  obtained  by  deducting 
3.000  from  the  floor  area  of  the  building  in  feet  and  multiplying  the  remainder  by 
four  and  dividing  the  product  by  1,000,  and  adding  72  inches  to  the  quotient;  ex- 
pressed in  the  formula  as  follows: 

(area— 3,000)    times  4 

72  inches  plus  

1,000 

*668.  Stairs— Other  Requirements.)  (a)  The  width  of  stairway  fire  escapes 
and  three-quarters  of  the  width  of  sliding  fire  escapes  required  by  this  Chapter 
may  be  deducted  from  the  width  of  stairs  required. 

(b)  Stairways  shall  be  located  as  far  from  each  other  as  practicable.     The 
bottom  of  each  stairway  shall  be  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  top  of  the  stairs 
leading  to  the  next  lower  story  and  the  line  of  travel  from  stairway  to  stairway 
shall  be  direct  and  easily  accessible  each  to  the  other.    At  least  one  stairway  shall 
extend  to  the  roof  of  every  building.     In  Classes  I,  II  and  VII,  the  whole  number 
of  stairways  required  for  each  building  shall  be  complete  in  every  respect  from  the 
first  to  the  topmost  story. 

(c)  Every  story  below  the  street  grade  shall  have  not  less  than  two  stairways 
to  the  first  story  and  each  such  stairway  shall  be  not  less  than  three  feet  wide, 
but  where  a  basement  or  cellar  is  used  for  the  retail  sale  of  goods  the  stairway 
from  such  basement  or  cellar  shall  in  number  and  aggregate  width  comply  with  the 
requirement  of  this  section   for  the  first  four   stories  above  sidewalk  grade. 

(d)  Where  two  areas  of  the  same  building  adjoin  and  are  separated  by  fire- 
proof dividing  walls  they  may  have  a  stairway  in  common,  provided  such  stairway 
is  not  less  than  five  feet  wide  and  is  inclosed  in  all  stories  of  the  building  by  fire- 
proof walls  in  non-fireproof  buildings  and  by  fireproof  partitions  in  fireproof  build- 
ings; and  where  the  stairways  and  landings  are  built  as  required  by.  this  Chapter 
for  buildings  of  fireproof  construction,   and  where  the  doors,   frames,  sashes   and 
casings,  and  the  glazed  portion  thereof  are  built  as  described  in  Sections  572  and 
573  then  in  such  case  such  stairway  may  be  considered  as  equivalent  to  one  open 
stairway  from  each   such  area,  and  where  such  stairway   provides  exit  from  only 
one  floor  area  such  stairway  may  be  considered  as  equivalent  to  two  open  stairways 
but  in  no  case  shall  there  be  less  than  two  stairways  in  any  such  building  except 
as  otherwise  provided  in  this  Chapter. 

(e)  Where   adjoining   buildings   or  buildings   on   opposite    sides   of  an    alley 
or  other  open  space,,  and  of  the  same  class,  used  by  the  same  person,  firm  or  cor- 
poration, are  connected  by  fireproof  bridges  or  passageways  with  fireproof  doors  at 
each  end,  or  by  fireproof  doors  on  each  floor  built  and  equipped  as  required  by  this 
Chapter  for  dividing  wall  doors  if  such  bridge  or  passageway  or  fireproof  door  is 
located  as  far  as  practicable  from  the  stairways  in  both  said  buildings,  then  said 
bridge  or  passageway  or  fireproof  door  may  be   considered  to  be  equivalent  to  a 
stairway  for  each  of  the  two  areas. 


*As  amended  December  4,  1911.     See  page  1900,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
:he  City  Council. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  153 

(f)  In  buildings  of  Classes  I,  II  and  VII,  where  an  interior  stairway  is  en- 
closed in  a  tower  and  built  as  required  by  the  provisions  of  Section  669  paragraph 
(n)   of  this  Chapter,  then  such  stairway  shall  be  considered  the  equivalent  of  two 
stairways,  or  a  stairway  and  a  fire-escape;  provided,  however,  that  if  such  stair- 
way is  considered  the  equivalent  of  two  stairways  the  building  must  be  equipped 
with  a  stairway  fire-escape,  or  fire-escapes,  as  is  required  by  this  Chapter. 

(g)  Exterior  stairways  in  buildings  of  Class  I,  II  and  VII  built  entirely  of 
steel  and  iron,  having  ice-proof  treads  not  less  than  ten  inches  wide  from  nosing 
to    riser    and    a    rise    of    eight    inches    or    less    for     each     riser,     and     otherwise 
made  as  required  for  stairway    fire    escapes    in    this    Chapter    and    where    such 
stairway  fire  escape  extends  from  the  inside  grade  to  the  top  floor  of  the  building 
or  is  supplied  from  the  second  floor  to  the  ground  with  a  counterbalanced  section 
and  has  a  steel  ladder  from  the  top  landing  to  the  roof,  then  such  stairway  may 
be  considered  the  equivalent  of  one  interior  stairway  and  one  stairway  fire  escape 
if   the   width   of   such   stairway  and   that   of   the   one   or   more   stairways   in   the 
building  equals  the  width  of  stairs   required  by  this   Chapter;   provided,  that  in 
such  case  the  respective  floors,,  door  sills,  and  stairway  platforms  are  flush,  and 
that  the  doors  do  not  obstruct  the  stairs  or  platforms  and  that  the  doors  are  each 
at  least  90  per  cent  of  the  width  of  said  stairway  and  that  the  windows,  doors  and 
frames  passed  by  such  stairway  and  platforms  are  built  of  incombustible  material 
and  wired  glass. 

(h)  In  buildings  of  Class  I  not  more  than  three  stories  in  height,  a  stairway 
fire  escape  not  less  than  three  feet  wide  located  and  built  as  required  by  this 
Chapter  for  such  fire  escape  and  placed  as  far  as  practicable  from  the  stairway, 
may  be  considered  as  a  stairway  and  may  be  deducted  from  the  "width  of  stairs" 
required  for  the  building. 

(i)  The  width  of  different  stairways  need  not  be  alike,  and  for  each  four 
stories  or  fractional  number  of  stories  of  the  building  above  the  first  four  stories 
each  stairway  may  be  reduced  six  inches,  but  no  stair  in  a  Class  VII  building 
shall  be  less  than  three  feet  in  width. 

(j)  Stairways  which  are  less  than  three  feet  three  inches  wide  shall  have 
not  less  than  one  hand  rail  and  stairways  which  are  more  than  three  feet  three 
inches  wide  snail  have  not  lessi  than  two  hand  rails.  Stairways  which  are  over 
eight  feet  wide  shall  have  double  intermediate  handrails  with  end  newel  posts  at 
least  five  and  a  half  feet  high. 

(k)  Stairways  hereafter  erected  shall  not  be  spiral  stairways  or  have  any 
winders.  Provided,  however,  that  circular  or  elliptical  stairways  may  be  used  if 
the  width  of  treads  one  foot  from  the  center  of  the  hand  rail  next  to  the  well  hole 
is  nine  and  one-half  inches,  including  nosings. 

(1)  Stairways  shall  not  have  risers  more  than  eight  inches  high  nor  treads 
less  than  ten  inches  wide,  inclusive  of  nosings. 

(m)  The  bottom  of  any  counter- balance  stairway  or  ladder  fire  escape  here- 
after erected  on  any  public  thoroughfare  when  raised  shall  be  not  less  than  fourteen 
feet  above  the  pavement  or  surface  of  the  street  or  alley. 

(n)  The  location  of  every  stairway  required  by  this  article  shall  be  subject 
to  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 


154  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

ARTICLE  XIX. 

FIRE   ESCAPES. 

669.  Fire  Escapes— Number  and  Location.)  (a)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any 
person,  firm  or  corporation  to  construct  or  maintain  any  building  of  Classes  I, 
II,  III,  VI,  and  VII  within  the  city,  unless  the  same  shall  be  equipped  with  fire 
escapes  as  follows: 

(b)  Every  building  four  or  more  stories  in  height  except  such  as  is  used 
exclusively  for  a  residence  for  one  family  shall  have   one  or  more  incombustible 
sliding  or  stairway  fire  escapes,  as  required  by  this  Chapter,  except  as  otherwise 
herein  provided. 

(c)  There  shall  be  at  least  one  stairway  fire  escape  constructed  as  required  by 
the  provisions  of  this  Chapter  for  each  250  persons,  or  fractional  part  thereof,  who 
occupy    any   floor   of    any   building   habitually    and    daily   or    for    whom   working, 
sleeping  or  living  accommodations  are  provided  on  any  one  floor  above  the  third 
floor  of  any  building  or  structure. 

(d)  BUILDINGS    OF    ORDINARY    CONSTRUCTION    SHALL   BE    EQUIPPED    WITH    FIRE    ESCAPES 

AS    FOLLOWS: 

With  floor  area  of  6,500  square  feet  or  less,  one  24-inch  stairway  fire  escape. 
With  floor  area  of  6,500  square  feet  to  9,000  square  feet,  two  24-inch  stairway 
fire  escapes. 

(e)  BUILDINGS    OF   MILL   OR    SLOW-BURNING   CONSTRUCTION    SHALL    BE    EQUIPPED    WITH 

FIRE   ESCAPES    AS    FOLLOWS: 

With  floor  area  of  8,000  square  feet  or  less,  one  24-inch  stairway  fire  escape. 

With  floor  area  of  8,000  square  feet  to  12,000  square  feet,  two  24-inch  stairway 
fire  escapes. 

(f )    BUILDINGS  OF  FIREPROOF  CONSTRUCTION  SHALL  BE  EQUIPPED  WITH  FIRE  ESCAPES  AS 

FOLLOWS : 

With  floor  area  of  10,000  square  feet  or  less,  one  24-inch  stairway  fire  escape. 

With  floor  area  of  10,000  to  20,000  square  feet,  two  24-inch  stairway  fire- 
escapes. 

With  floor  area  of  more  than  20,000  square  feet,  three  24-inch  stairway  fire 
escapes. 

(g)       FIREPROOF    WAREHOUSE    BUILDINGS    SHALL    BE    EQUIPPED    WITH    FIRE    ESCAPES    AS 

FOLLOWS : 

With  floor  area  of  12,000  square  feet  or  less,  one  24-inch  stairway  fire  escape. 

With  floor  area  exceeding  12,000  square  feet,  two  24-inch  stairway  fire  escapes. 

(h)  A  fireproof  bridge  built  as  described  in  Section  668  and  connecting  each 
floor  of  two  neighboring  buildings  occupied  by  the  same  person,  firm  or  corporation, 
shall  be  considered  the  equivalent  of  a  fire  escape,  or  of  an  interior  stairway,  but 
not  the  equivalent  of  both. 

(i)  In  buildings  of  Class  II  there  shall  be  a  stairway  or  a  fire  escape  as  near 
as  practicable  to  the  end  of  each  corridor,  and  where  a  corridor  is  endless  the  stairs 
and  the  tire  escape  shall  be  located  around  arid  connected  to  said  hall  or  corridor 
at  distances  approximately  equal  to  each  other. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  155 

(j)  The  openings  leading  to  fire  escapes  on  hospitals  shall  be  flush  with  the 
floor  leading  to  the  fire  escape  which  may  be  inclined  not  more  than  2l/2  inches 
vertical  to  12  inches  of  horizontal  measurement,  and  shall  be  constructed  and  main- 
tained with  no  obstructions  thereon. 

(k)  In  buildings  hereafter  erected  wherever  stairway  fire  escapes  are  con- 
sidered the  equivalent  of  an  interior  stairway  or  as  taking  the  place  of  any  of  the 
"Width  of  Stairs"  required  by  this  Chapter,  there  shall  be  a  door  or  casement  win- 
dow leading  to  such  fire  escape  from  each  floor.  Windows  and  doors  to  such  fire 
escapes  shall  not  be  less  than  24  inches  in  width  and  not  less, than  72  inches  in 
height.  The  sill  of  such  windows  or  doors  shall  not  be  more  than  24  inches  above 
the  floor,  unless  a  stair  is  built  leading  to  the  same. 

(1)  Where  a  building  is  divided  into  separate  areas,  each  such  area  shall  be 
considered  as  a  separate  building  and  shall  be  equipped  with  stairs  and  fire  escapes 
as  is  required  for  buildings  by  this  Chapter,  unless  otherwise  herein  provided. 

(m)  Exterior  stairway  fire  escapes  built  as  required  by  this  Chapter  and  hav- 
ing treads  not  less  than  10  inches  wide  from  nosing  to  riser  and  risers  not  more  than 
8  inches  in  height  and  having  stairways  extending  from  the  inside  grade  to  the 
top  floor  of  the  building  or  having  a  counterbalance  section  from  the  first  story  to 
the  ground  and  a  steel  ladder  from  the  top  landing  to  the  roof,  shall  be  considered 
the  equivalent  of  one  interior  stairway  and  one  stairway  fire  escape,  if  the 
width  of  such  stairway  fire  escapes  with  that  of  one  or  more  stairways  in  the 
building  equals  the  "Width  of  Stairs"  required  for  the  area  of  the  respective  build- 
ings by  this  Chapter. 

(n)  Where  an  interior  stairway  and  its  stair  hall  and  otner  enclosing  walls  are 
built  entirely  of  fireproof  materials  and  where  the  doors  of  said  stair  halls  are 
automatic  closing  fire  doors;  and  where  such  stairway  and  the  stair  hall  has 
at  least  one  sfde  on  a  street  or  alley  or  court,  and  where  not  less  than  50  per  cent 
of  the  area  of  the  street  or  alley  or  court  wall  is  open  and  unobstructed  to  the  outer 
air;  and  whore  the  stairs  extend  from  the  ground  to  the  roof;  and  where  there  are 
doors  as  wide  as  the  stairway  opening  outward  from  a  floor  or  landing,  level  with 
the  street,  alley  or  court,  or  with  the  floor  of  a  fireproof  tunnel  at  the  foot  of  such 
stairway,  and  if  a  court  or  fireproof  tunnel  then  where  the  floor  of  such  court  or 
fireproof  tunnel  is  level  and  unobstructed,  and  not  less  than  double  the  width  of 
such  sainvay,  and  in  any  case  not  less  than  eight  feet  in  width,  and  where  such 
court  or  fireproof  tunnel  extends  from  the  doors  at  the  base  of  such  stairway  to  a 
public  alley  or  street  and  if  the  floor  of  said  court  or  fireproof  tunnel  is  not  level 
with  such  alley  or  street,  then  where  there  are  stairs  not  less  than  six  feet  wide, 
leading  from  the  floor  of  the  court  or  fireproof  tunnel  to  a  street  or  alley,  and 
where  said  last  mentioned  stairs  are  on  private  property;  and  where  the  stair- 
ways comply  in  all  respects  with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter,  then  such  stairway 
shall  be  considered  as  a  stairway  fire  escape. 

(o)  In  buildings  not  more  than  two  stories  in  height  one  stairway  may  be 
omitted  if  the  building  is  equipped  with  a  three-foot  stairway  fire  escape  built  as 
required  for  fire  escapes  in  this  section  with  counterbalance  drop  and  placed  as  far 
as  practicable  from  the  remaining  stairway. 

(p)  Where  fireproof  buildings  have  a  frontage  upon  public  alleys  or  have 
courts  of  an  area  of  not  less  than  320  square  feet,  and  where  such  courts  lead  di- 
rectly to  a  public  thoroughfare,  fire  escapes  may  be  permitted  to  be  erected  on 
such  courts  or  such  alleys  and  shall  not  be  required  to  be  erected  upon  street  fronti 


156  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

of  such  buildings.  Such  fire  escapes  shall  be  located  as  far  as  possible  from  stair- 
ways in  the  buildings,  and  where  it  is  possible  to  erect  the  fire  escapes  on  an  alley 
or  in  a  court  they  may  be  thus  erected  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings. 

(q)  In  fireproof  buildings  of  Class  Ila,  fire  escapes  may  be  located  in  light 
courts  of  fifty  feet  in  the  least  dimension,  having  no  opening  onto  a  street  or  alley, 
but  such  fire  escape  must  be  connected  wa'th  a  stairway  of  the  building  at  a  level 
no  higher  than  twenty-five  feet  above  finished  grade  at  the  building,  said  stairway 
to  terminate  at  the  first  floor  level  in  a  public  corridor,  giving  direct  egress  from 
the  building. 

(r)  Such  fire  escapes  shall  not  be  considered  as  part  of  the  width  of  stairs  as 
defined  in  Section  666  of  this  chapter  for  such  buildings  unless  that  portion  of  the 
stairway  used  in  connection  with  the  fire  escape  is  increased  by  the  width  of  the 
fire  escape,  from  their  junction  to  the  ground. 

Hospitals  two  or  more  stories  in  height  shall  be  provided  with  one  or  more 
stairway  fire  escapes  not  less  than  40  inches  between  handrails.  Sliding  fire  escapes 
shall  have  a  radius  or  width  of  not  less  than  42  inches.  Sliding  fire  escapes  shall 
not  be  built  on  public  thoroughfares  and  shall  deposit  the  person  from  same  not 
more  than  twenty-four  inches  from  the  surrounding  ground,  and  sliding  fire  escapes 
on  Class  VIII  buildings  shall  be  constructed,  located  and  maintained  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  relating  to  Class  VIII. 

Wherever  stairway  fire  escapes  are  considered  by  this  chapter  to  be  the  equiv- 
alent of  an  interior  stairway  or  as  taking  the  place  of  any  of  the  width  of  stairs, 
there  shall  be  a  door  leading  to  said  fire  escape  from  each  floor.  Such  door  shall 
not  be  less  than  24  inches  in  width  and  not  less  than  72  inches  in  height.  The 
sill  of  such  door  shall  not  be  more  than  24  inches  above  the  floor  and  the  door 
shall  be  as  wide  as  the  stairway  required  on  the  fire  escape.  Where  the  sill  is  mor? 
than  24  inches  from  the  floor,  a  small  stairway  shall  be  built  from  the  floor 
to  the  window  sill  with  treads  not  less  than  10  inches  wide  and  risers  not  more 
than  9  inches  in  height. 

(s)  A  stairway  fire  escape  placed  on  an  exterior  wall  adjacent  to  a  dividing  or 
party  wall  shall  be  considered  as  a  stairway  fire  escape  for  each  building  area 
to  which  it  is  adjacent.  In  such  cases  there  shall  be  at  least  one  door  or  window 
from  each  building  area  leading  to  the  fire  escape  platform,  and  the  width  of 
each  such  fire  escape  shall  not  be  less  than  36  inches. 

(t)  All  fire  escapes  shall  be  located  and  constructed  to  conform  to  the  build- 
ing for  which  they  are  respectively  intended. 

(u)  If  any  building  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  the  purposes  of  Class 
VII  be  equipped  with  automatic  sprinklers,  and  be  connected  with  another 
building  similarly  used,  and  distant  not  less  than  twenty-five  feet  and  used  by  the 
same  occupant,  by  a  fireproof  bridge  or  passageway  similarly  equipped,  then  each 
such  tier  of  bridges  or  passageways  shall  be  held  to  be  equivalent  to  and  take  the 
place  of  one  outside  stairway  fire  escape  on  each  of  the  buildings  so  connected. 

670.  Stairway  Fire  Escapes — Fees — Erection  of — Location — Component  Parts.) 
(a)  The  Commissioner  of  'Buildings  and  his  assistants  shall  determine  upon  the 
location  of  all  stairway  fire  scapes  before  erection  of  same  is  commenced. 

(b)  Before  the  work  is  commenced  a  permit  shall  be  obtained  from  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  for  which  a  fee  of  $2.00  shall  be  exacted. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  157 

(c)  No  permit  for  a  stairway  fire  escape  more  than   twenty-four  inches   in 
width  shall  be  granted  unless  a  detailed  plan  for  the  fire  escape,  approved  by  a 
licensed  architect  or  a   structural  engineer,  is  submitted  to   the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  and  a  copy  of  such  plans  shall  be  left  on  file  with  said  Commissioner. 

(d)  All  anchors  for  stairway  fire  escapes  shall,  wherever  possible,  pass  through 
the  wall  of  building  and  be  secured  on  inside  of  same.     Where  it  is  possible  to 
anchor  through  walls,   anchors  shall  be  put  in  wall  not  less  than  fifteen  inches 
at  an  angle  of  thirty-five  degrees.     On  buildings  of  steel  construction,  where  walls 
are  less  than  twenty  inches  in  thickness  there  shall  be  steel  channels  at  least  four 
inches  wide  set  on  inside  of  building  from  column  to  column  and  bolted  or  riveted 
to  columns,  and  anchors  shall  be  bolted  on  inside  of  channels. 

(e)  Anchors  for  a  platform  four  feet  two  inches  or  less  in  width  shall  be  made 
of  one  inch  square  iron;  over  four  feet  two  inches  and  not  over  six  feet,  shall  be 
one  and  one-fourth  inch  square  iron,  with  brace;  over  six  feet  shall  be  one  and  one- 
half  inch  square  iron  with  brace.     All  anchors  shall  be  turned  up  not  less  than 
eight  inches  at  the  outside  of  the  platform  on  which  to  bolt  the  post. 

(f)  Braces  shall  be  the  same  thickness  as  the  anchors.  The  spread  of  the  braces 
shall   be   the  width  of  the   platform.     Where  the  platforms   are  over  five   feet  in 
width,  anchors  shall  have  double  braces,  one  to  the  outside  and  one  to  the  center 
of  the  platform. 

(g)  Platforms  shall  be  not  less  than  fifty  inches  wide  at  ends;   passageways 
shall  be  not  less  than  twenty-four  inches  between  buildings  and  railings.     Platforms 
shall  be  not  less  than  five  feet  in  length.     The  frames  and  crossbars  shall  be  made 
as   provided   in   this   chapter.     Platforms   shall   have   clips   at   each   end  bolted   to 
anchors.     No  door  or  window  or  shutter  shall  open  so  as  to  obstruct  in  any  way 
the  free  passage  on  or  along  a  platform  or  a  stairway  fire  escape. 

(h)  All  stairway  fire  escapes  for  apartment  buildings,  hotels,  boarding  houses, 
factories  and  office  buildings,  where  there  are  less  than  100  people  on  any  one  floor, 
shall  be  not  less  than  two  feet  wide  between  hand  rails.  Stringers  for  a  24-inch 
stairway  fire  escape  shall  be  not  less  than  2  inches  by  %  inch  set  iya  inches 
apart.  Where  stairway  fire  escapes  and  their  balconies  and  supports  are  designed 
and  constructed  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  relating  to  ma- 
terials permitted  for  such  stairway  fire  escapes,  balconies  and  supports,  so  as  to 
sustain  a  load  of  100  pounds  per  square  foot,  they  may  be  built  of  steel  channels, 
angles,  or  I-beams,  but  when  so  constructed,  they  shall  comply  with  the  provisions 
of  this  chapter  in  all  other  respects.  All  stairway  fire  escapes  for  halls,  churches, 
theaters,  hospitals,  schools,  department  stores  and  buildings  where  large  numbers 
of  people  congregate  shall  not  be  less  than  three  feet  wide  in  the  clear,  and  all 
passageways  shall  not  be  less  than  three  feet  wide  in  the  clear.  Stringers  for  a 
36-inch  stairway  fire  escape  shall  be  made  of  two  bars,  3  inches  by  tfc  inch,  about 
one  inch  apart,  or  4y2  inches  by  %  inch  flat  iron,  or  of  steel  channels,  angles  or 
I -'beams;  where  over  12  feet  in  length,  they  shall  have  anchor  and  brace  in  the 
center.  The  tread  shall  be  made  of  one-half  inch  square  steel  or  iron,  corner  up- 
wards, not  to  exceed  IS/%  inches  center,  riveted  at  ends  to  2  by  &  inch  flat  iron  or 
eteel.  There  shall  be  not  less  than  four  bars*  to  a  tread  where  treads  are  less  than 
twenty-seven  inches  in  length;  where  treads  are  over  twenty-seven  inches  in  length 
there  shall  be  not  less  than  six  bars  to  a  tread;  there  shall  be  a  truss  supporting 
treads  made  of  bar  iron  2  inches  by  %  inches  in  thickness,  riveted  to  bars  of  treads 
in  center,  supported  by  not  less  than  two  inches  by  seven-sixteenths  inch  rods  bolted 


158  CITY    OF   CHICAGO 

at  each  end  of  treads.     All  stairs  shall  have  an  incline  of  about  forty-five  degrees. 
The  rise  shall  be  not  more  than  nine  inches  and  the  tread  not  less  than  nine  inches. 

(i)  All  stairs  shall  have  three  bar  railings  made  of  one-inch  bar  iron  for  top 
rail,  and  three-fourths  inch  bar  iron  for  lower  rail,  and  when  such  stairs  are  more 
than  three  inches  from  the  wall  of  the  building,  there  shall  be  one  or  more  hand 
rails  on  the  wall  side  of  such  stairs. 

(j)  All  posts  used  for  stair  fire  escapes  shall  be  made  of  one  and  one-half  inch 
angle  or  channel  iron  not  less  than  three  feet  six  inches  high  measured  at  right 
angles  with  the  treads  of  such  fire  escapes,  and  shall  have  braces  on  the  outside 
turned  upwards  and  fastened  to  the  frame  of  the  balcony  or  stairs,  which  shall  be 
not  less  than  half  way  up  the  posts;  all  stair  fire  escapes  shall  extend  to  the  ground 
either  by  counterbalance  drop  or  stairs.  All  ladder  fire  escapes  shall  have  either 
extension  ladder  or  counterbalance  drop  from  the  first  story  of  said  building  to  the 
ground  or  sidewalk.  Their  location,  material  and  construction  shall  be  subject  to 
the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.  When  cables  are  used  for  counter- 
balance stairs  they  shall  not  be  less  than  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  size  and  shall 
be  well  oiled  or  greased  when  hung  up  and  shall  be  oiled  or  greased  at  least  twice 
a  year.  All  pulleys  and  cables  holding  counterbalance  drop  shall  be  covered  at 
bracket  so  -as  to  be  protected  from  snow  or  ice. 

(k)  Wherever  a  stairway  fire  escape  passes  a  window  or  door  on  buildings 
hereafter  erected,  the  windows  or  doors  shall  be  of  wired  glass  and  shall  have 
metal  frames  and  sash,  and  whenever  such  a  fire  escape  passes  above  a  window, 
door  or  other  opening  not  fitted  with  wired  glass  and  metal  frames  the  said  fire 
escape  shall  be  protected  on  the  under  side  by  sheet  metal  of  not  less  than  No.  20 
United  States  gauge  opposite  such  opening  and  for  a  distance  of  three  feet  on  each 
side  thereof.  •  The  use  of  intermediate  platforms  shall  be  permitted  on  all  build- 
ings now  built  or  hereafter  constructed  whenever  it  is  possible  by  their  use  to 
avoid  the  necessity  of  stairway  fire  escapes  passing  windows.  All  fire  escapes  shall 
be  painted  with  two  coats  of  mineral  paint  when  erected,  one  at  the  shop  and  one 
upon  completion  at  the  building,  and  they  shall  be  painted  at  least  once  every 
year  thereafter. 

(1)  Wherever  it  is  impossible  to  erect  stairway  fire  escapes  according  to  the 
provisions  of  this  chapter,  plans  shall  be  submitted  to  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings showing  the  location,  material  and  construction  of  such  stairway  fire  escapes 
as  are  proposed  to  be  built  before  a  permit  is  issued  for  the  same,  and  if  it  is 
found  to  be  impracticable  to  locate  and  construct  fire  escapes  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  and  that  fire  escapes  built  according  to  the  plan 
presented  would  afford  safe  and  practical  means  of  exit  from  the  building  on 
which  they  are  to  be  placed,  then  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  may  in  his  discre- 
tion approve  the  same.  All  such  fire  escapes  •  shall  be  inspected  by  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  on  their  completion  and  if  found  to  be  safe,  satisfactory  and  in 
compliance  with  the  said  approved  plans,  a  certificate  shall  be  issued  to  such  effect 
upon  the  payment  of  $2.00  to  the  City  Collector.  All  fire  escapes  other  than  such 
as  it  is  impossible  or  impracticable  to  build  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
this  Chapter  shall  be  inspected  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  on  their  comple- 
tion, and  if  found  to  be  in  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter  a  certi- 
ficate shall  be  issued  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  upon  the  payment  of  a 
fee  of  $2.00  to  the  City  Collector. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  159 

(m)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  use  any  build- 
ing until  the  provisions  of  this  article  shall  have  been  complied  with. 

671.  Ladder  Fire  Escapes — When  Permitted.)  Where  a  building  of  Class  lit 
or  VI,  not  more  than  four  stories  in  height  has  two  nights  of  stairs  leading  from 
the  ground  to  the  top  floor  of  the  building  and  where  also  each  occupant  shall  have 
access  to  at  least  two  separate  and  distinct  stairways  located  as  required  by  the 
provision  of  this  Chapter  from  the  top  floor  to  the  ground,  a  ladder  fire  escape 
may  be  used  in  lieu  of  the  stairway  fire  escape  required  herein,  where  a  counter 
balance  drop  is  placed  from  the  ladder  fire  escape  to  the  ground. 

*672.  Specifications  for  Ladder  Fire  Escapes.)  (a)  All  single  and  double  lad- 
der fire  escapes  hereafter  erected  shall  be  in  strict  accordance  with  the  following 
provisions : 

(b)  There  shall  be  not  less  than  three  one-inch  square  wrought-iron  anchor*  to 
every   five-foot   balcony    and    not   less   than    six   for   a   twelve-foot  balcony.      Such 
anchors  shall   pass  through  the  wall  of  the  building  and  be  bolted  on  the  inside 
with  a   three-fourths  by   two-inch   nut  and  three   and   one-half   inch   iron   washer 
back  of  the  nut,  where  the  wall  is  not  over  twenty  inches  thick;   but  where  the 
wall   is  over  twenty  inches   thick  anchors  shall  be   inserted   at  least  eight   inches 
into  the  wall  at  an  angle  of  thirty-five  degrees. 

(c)  Where  a  ladder  fire  escape  is  permitted  by  this  Chapter,  the  side  guards 
shall  be  two  by  three-eighths-inch  flat  iron.     All  ladder  fire  escapes  shall  be  seven- 
teen inches  or  more  in  width  in  the  clear.     No     ...       pipe  nor  rusted  or  de- 
fective material  shall  be  used:  in  the  construction  of  ladder  fire  escapes.     Rungs  of 
ladders  shall  be  of  not  less  than  one-half -inch  square  iron  with  corners  upward, 
so  as  to  give  a  safe  footing.     Rungs  shall  be  riveted  and  shall  be  constructed  with 
fourteen-inch  centers. 

(d)  The  brace  for  the  anchors  shall  be  at   least  twenty  inches   spread  and 
shall  extend  into  the  wall  four  inches;   no  other  form  of  anchor  shall  be  allowed 
except  by  special  permit  from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

673.  Balconies — Construction  of.)  All  balconies  hereafter  erected  shall  be 
either  steel  or  wrought  iron  and  capable  of  sustaining  a  weight  of  one  hundred 
pounds  to  the  square  foot.  The  balcony  frame  shall  be  made  of  not  less  than  two- 
inch  by  two-inch  by  one-fourth-inch  angle  iron  which  shall  be  securely  riveted 
together  with  cross  bars  every  two  feet.  Such  bars  shall  be  punched  one-half  inch 
square  close  to  the  top  of  the  bar  on  two  inch  centers  and  one-half  inch  square  iron 
bars  shall  be  forced  through  the  same.  The  cross  bars  shall  be  securely  riveted  to 
the  angle  iron  frame.  The  cross  bars  for  a  balcony  twenty-eight  inches  wide  shall 
te  2-inch  by  %-inch.  Balcony  frames  over  twenty-eight  inches  wide  shall 
be  made  of  not  less  than  two  by  three-eighths  inch  iron  and  made  to  conform  with 
the  increased  dimensions  of  iron  in  crossbars;  for  thirty-six  inch  balcony  or  more 
they  shall  be  two  and  one-half  inch  by  three-eighths  inch.  All  balconies  over  this 
width  shall  have  a  two-inch  "T"  iron  through  the  center  of  the  balcony  for  the  bars 
to  rest  upon;  provided  that  such  balconies  and  platforms  of  buildings  of  Class  lie 
may  be  built  as  described  in  Section  268  of  this  Chapter.  Such  balconies  shall  have 
o  substantial  cast  or  wrought  iron  post  every  three  feet  bolted  to  the  balcony. 
Xo  balcony  shall  have  less  than  three  guard  rails  which  shall  be  of  wrought  iron 


*As  amended  February  20,  1911.     See  page  3999,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


160  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

or  new  iron  pipe  not  less  than  three-fourths  inch  in  diameter  and  the  ends  shall  be 
securely  anchored  to  the  wall  of  the  building  and  shall  be  not  less  than  ten  inches 
on  an  angle  of  thirty-five  degrees.  Where  stairway  fire  escapes  and  their  balconies 
are  designed  and  constructed  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter  to 
sustain  a  load  of  one  hundred  pounds  per  square  foot  they  may  be  built  of  steel 
channel  angles  or  I-beams,  but  in  such  cases  they  shall  comply  with  the  require- 
ments of  this  Chapter  in  all  other  respects. 

674.  Standpipes— Pumps— Axes,  Etc.  and  Fire-Fighting  Apparatus.)     (a)     In 
every  building  one  hundred  feet  or  more  in  height  not  provided  with  a  three-inch  or 
larger  inside  standpipe  and  in  all  buildings  hereafter  constructed  of  a. greater  height 
than  seventy-five  feet  excepting  buildings  used  for  the  purposes  of  Class  He  and  Class 
V  as  herein  elsewhere  provided  for,  and  in  all  buildings  of  a  greater  height  than 
five  stories  now  or  hereafter  used  for  hotels  or  public  lodging  house  purposes,  there 
shall  be  installed  one  or  more  four-inch  standpipes.  which  shall  extend  from  the 
basement  to  the  roof  and  which  shall  be  connected  at  the  outside  of  the  street  or 
alley  side  of  the  building  with  a  Siamese  connection  provided  with  iron  cap  for  use 
of  the  fire  department,  and  which  shall  be  provided  with  one  hose  connection,  with 
fire  department  thread,  on  the  roof  of  said  building,  on  each  floor  and  in  the  base- 
ment thereof,  with  sufficient  hose  attached  to  reach  any  point  thereof.     The  pat- 
tern, quality,  installation  and  maintenance  of  such  standpipe,  hose  and  couplings, 
shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

(b)  In  any  of  the  buildings  herein  referred  to  which  are  completely  equipped 
with  an  approved  automatic  sprinkler  system  it  shall  not  be  necessary  to  install 
inside  standpipes  as  above  provided  for. 

675.  Grain  Elevators,  Malt  Houses  and  Cold  Storage  Houses — Steamer  Con- 
nections— Sprinkler  System.)     The  interior  of  all  grain  elevators  and  malt  houses 
of  a  height  of  fifty  or  more  feet  which  are  not  of  fireproof  construction,  and  which 
have  a  capacity  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  bushels  or  over;  and  the  interior 
of  all  cold  storage  houses  of  a  height  of  four  or  more  stories  which  are  not  of  fire- 
proof construction  and  which  have  a  ground  floor  area  of  ten  thousand  or  more 
square  feet,  shall  be  completely  equipped  with  either  a  dry  or  wet  approved  auto- 
matic sprinkler  system  with  a  feeder  or  riser  pipe  or  pipes  not  less  than  four  inches 
in  diameter,  leading  from  one  or  more  Siamese  steamer  connections  provided  with 
iron  caps,  all  of  which  shall  be  installed  and  maintained  subject  to  the  approval  of 
the  Fire  Marshal. 

676.  Grain  Elevators,  Malt  Houses  and  Cold  Storage  Houses— Watch  Service.) 
(a)  Grain  elevators  which  are  equipped  with  an  approved  fire  alarm  system,  prop- 
erly maintained;  or  grain  elevators,  malt  houses  and  cold  storage  houses  which  are 
now  equipped  with  standpipes  and  hose  of  approved  quality,  and  which  have  outside 
standpipes  not  less  than  2%  inches  in  diameter,  and  Siamese  steamer  connections 
properly  located;  and  which  are  equipped  with  fire  extinguishers,  water  barrels  and 
pails  distributed  at  proper  intervals  on  all  floors;  and  where  some  approved  elec- 
tric watch  service  and  fire  alarm  system  is  maintained,  and  a  watchman  is  em- 
ployed to  pull  such  stations  at  least  once  an  hour  every  day  and  night  of  the  year, 
all  of  which  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal,  will  not  be  TP- 
quired  to  install  additional  inside  standpipes  as  provided  in  the  foregoing  sections. 

(b)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  erect,  use  o» 
maintain  any  building  as  a  grain  elevator,  malt  house  or  cold  storage  house  unless 
such  building  complies  with  all  the  provisions  of  this  section,  or  unless  the  Fire 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  161 

Marshal  has  such  building  examined  and  certifies  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
that  such  building  complies  in  all  respects  with  the  provisions  of  this  section,  and 
each  day's  unlawful  use  of  such  building,  as  above  provided,  shall  be  considered  a 
separate  offense. 

677.  Steamer  Siamese  Connections.)     There  shall  be  a  Siamese  connection  at 
the  bottom  of  each  standpipe,  so  that  two  steam  fire  engines  may  be  attached  to  it 
without  interfering  with  each  other.     Such  Siamese  connection-  shall  be  within  easy 
reaching  distance  from  the  sidewalk  and  be  securely  anchored  to  the  wall  of  the 
building.     The  owner,  agent,  occupant  or  person  in  possession,  charge  or  control 
of  the  premises  where  such  standpipe  and  Siamese  connection  are  located,  is  hereby 
required  to  provide  such  covering  or  protection  as  is  provided  for  in  Sections  674 
and  675  to  the  fittings  of  said  Siamese  connection  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  said 
fittings  and  connection  clear  and  unobstructed.     The  protection  or  covering  herein 
referred  to  shall  apply  to  all  inside  and  outside  standpipes  and  connections  to  auto- 
matic sprinkler  equipment  now  in  existence  or  hereafter  installed. 

678.  Fire  Escapes — Signs  Indicating  Location.)     Every  building  required  to  be 
equipped  with  metallic   ladder   fire   escapes   and   wrought   iron    or   steel   balconies, 
sliding  or  stairway  fire  escapes,  or  other  fire  escapes  devices,  shall  have  displayed  in 
tonspicuous  places,  on  each  floor  of  such  building,  notices  sufficient  in  number  and 
in  plainly  legible  type  at  least  six  inches  in  height,  indicating  and  showing  the 
location  of  such  fire  escapes  and  the  easiest  way  to  reach  them.     If  such  notices  be 
not  displayed  within  thirty  days  after  such  equipment  is  installed  and  kept  con- 
tinuously displayed  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  cause  the  building  to  be 
closed  and  kept  closed  until  the  provisions  of  this   section  shall  have  been  com- 
plied with. 

679.  Stairs  and  Fire  Escapes — Obstruction,  Change  in  Construction.)    It  shall 
be  unlawful  under  any  circumstances  to  close  up  or  obstruct  any  stairways  or  fire 
escapes  of  any  buildings  or  the  approaches  leading  thereto.     No  change  in  the  posi- 
tion or  construction  of  any  such  stairway  or  fire  escape  shall  be  made,  unless  the 
permission  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  first  have  been  obtained. 


ARTICLE  XX. 

VENTILATION. 

680.  Ventilation  in  Buildings  of  Classes  IV,  V,  VII  and  VIII.)  (a)  The  air 
in  any  room  used  as  an  auditorium  in  buildings  of  Class  IV  and  V,  hereafter  erected 
and  the  air  in  any  room  used  as  a  classroom  or  assembly  hall  in  buildings. of  Class 
VIII,  hereafter  erected,  shall  be  changed,  so  as  to  provide  each  person  for  whom 
seating  accommodation  is  provided  in  such  auditorium,  class  room  or  assembly  hall 
with  at  least  1,500  cubic  feet  of  air  per  hour. 

(b)  In  buildings  of  Class  VII,  hereafter  erected,  on  floors  frequented  by  the 
public  the  air  in  such  rooms  shall  be  supplied  at  the  following  rates: 

For  each  person  in  basement,  2,000  cubic  feet  per  hour. 

For  each  person  in  1st  to  3rd  stories,  both  inclusive,  1,500  cubic  feet  per  hour. 

For  each  person  in  4th  story  and  above,  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  1,300 
cubic  feet  per  hour. 

For  each  person  in  grocery  departments  and  restaurants,  1,500  cubic  feet  per 
hour. 


162  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

(c)  For  the  purpose  of  determining  the  number  of  people  on  any  floor  in  build- 
ings of  Class  VII,  in  calculating  the  means  of  ventilation,  the  following  floor  area 
per  person  per  floor  shall  be  taken  as  the  basis : 

Basement,  per  person.  20  square  feet  of  floor  area  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs  and 
elevators. 

First  story,  per  person,  20  square  feet  of  floor  area,  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs, 
elevators,  and  enclosed  show  windows. 

Second  story,  per  person,  50  square  feet  of  floor  area,  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs, 
elevators,  and  enclosed  show  windows. 

Third  story,  per  person,  60  square  feet  of  floor  area,  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs 
and  elevators. 

Fourth  story  and  above  per  person,  80  square  feet  of  floor  area,  exclusive  of 
walls,  stairs  and  elevators,  except  as  hereinafter  provided. 

(d)  Grocery  departments  and  restaurants,  per  person,  40  square  feet  of  floor 
area,  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs  and  elevators. 

(e)  The  amount  of  carbon  dioxide  in  the  air  of  any  such  auditorium,  class- 
room or  assembly  hall  or  space  frequented  by  the  public  in  Class  VII  buildings  shall 
not  be  permitted  to  rise  above  10  parts  of  carbon  dioxide  per  10,000  parts  of  air, 
measurements  being  taken  at  levels  from  two  and  one-half  feet  to  eight  feet  above 
the  floor,  generally  distributed,  and  the  temperature  in  such  spaces  when  artificially 
heated  shall  not  exceed  68  degrees  Fahrenheit.    Relative  humidity  shall  not  be  less 
than  45  degrees  nor  more  than  80  degrees. 

(f)  The  air  in  any  room  used  as  an  auditorium  in  buildings  of  Classes  IV  and 
V.  constructed  prior  to  the  passage  of  this  ordinance,  and  the  air  in  any  room  used 
as  a  classroom  or  assembly  hall  in  buildings  of  Class  VIII,  constructed  prior  to 
the  passage  of  this  ordinance,  shall  be  changed,  so  as  to  provide  each  person  for 
whom  seating  accommodation  is  provided  in  such  auditorium,  classroom  or  assembly 
hall  with  at  least  1200  cubic  feet  of  air  per  hour. 

(g)  The  air  in  any  rooms  and  floors  in  buildings  of  Class  VII,  erected  prior 
to  the  passage  of  this  ordinance,  shall  be  supplied,  by  mechanical  or  other  means,  at 
the  following  rates: 

For  each  person  in  basement,  1,600  cubic  per  hour. 

For  each  person  in  1st  to  3d  stories,  both  inclusive,  1,200  cubic  feet  per  hour. 

For  each  person  in  4th  story  and  above,  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  1,040 
cubic  feet  per  hour. 

For  each  person  in  grocery  departments  and  restaurants,  1200  cubic  feet  per 
hour. 

(h)  For  the  purpose  of  determining  the  number  of  people  on  any  floor  in 
buildings  of  Class  VII,  in  calculating  the  means  of  ventilation,  the  following  floor 
area  per  person  per  floor  shall  be  taken  as  the  basis: 

Basement,  per  person,  20  square  feet  of  floor  area  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs 
and  elevators. 

First  story,  per  person,  20  square  feet  of  floor  area  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs, 
elevators,  and  enclosed  show  windows. 

Second  story,  per  person,  50  square  feet  of  floor  area  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs, 
elevators,  and  enclosed  show  windows. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  1C3 

Third  story,  per  person,  00  square  feet  of  floor  area  exclusive  of  walls,  stairs 
and  elevators. 

Fourth  story  and  above,  per  person,  80  square  feet  of  floor  area  exclusive  of 
walls,  stairs  and  elevators,  except  as  hereinafter  provided. 

Grocery  departments  and  restaurants,  per  person,  40  square  feet  of  floor  area 
exclusive  of  Avails,  stairs  and  elevators. 

(i)  The  amount  of  carbon  dioxide  in  the  air  of  any  such  auditorium,  class- 
room or  assembly  hall  or  space  frequented  by  the  public  in  Class  VII  buildings  shall 
not  be  permitted  to  rise  above  12  parts  of  carbon  dioxide  per  10,000  parts  of  air, 
measurements  being  taken  at  levels  from  two  and  one-half  feet  to  eight  feet  above 
the  floor  generally  distributed;  and  the  temperature  in  such  spaces  when  artificially 
heated  shall  not  exceed  70  degrees  Fahrenheit.  The  relative  humidity  shall  not  be 
less  than  40  degrees  nor  more  than  85  degrees. 

(j)  The  word  "auditorium"  as  used  in  this  section  in  connection  with  build- 
ings of  Classes  IV  and  V  shall  be  construed  as  including  the  main  floor,  balcony  and 
galleries. 

(k)  In  buildings  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  use  of  a  factory, 
mill  or  workshop,  the  air  shall  be  changed,  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  so  as  to 
provide  each  person  for  whom  working  accommodations  are  provided  therein  with 
at  least  1,500  cubic  feet  of  air  per  hour. 

(1)  In  buildings  used  for  the  purposes  of  a  factory,  mill  or  workshop  at  the 
time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance,  the  air  shall  be  changed,  except  as  hereinafter 
provided,  so  as  to  provide  each  person  for  whom  working  accommodations  are  pro- 
vided therein  with  at  least  1,200  cubic  feet  of  air  per  hour. 

(m)  In  any  building  or  room  hereafter  erected  for  or  converted  to  the  use  of 
a  factory,  mill  or  workshop  the  amount  of  carbon  dioxide  in  the  air,  except  as 
hereinafter  provided,  shall  not  be  permitted  to  rise  above  ten  parts  of  carbon  dioxide 
per  10,000  parts  of  air. 

(n)  In  buildings  or  rooms  used  for  the  purposes  of  a  factory,  mill  or  work- 
shop at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance,  the  amount  of  carbon  dioxide 
in  the  air,  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  shall  not  be  permitted  to  rise  above  twelve 
parts  of  carbon  dioxide  per  10,000  parts  of  air.  The  measurements  in  each  case 
above  enumerated  in  this  paragraph  shall  be  taken  at  levels  from  two  and  one-half 
feet  to  eight  feet  above  the  floor,  distributed  generally;  and  the  temperature  in 
such  spaces,  when  artificially  heated,  shall  not  exceed  68  degrees  Fahrenheit,  except 
as  hereinafter  provided;  the  relative  humidity  shall  not  be  less  than  40  degrees 
nor  more  than  85  degrees. 

(o)  The  above  provisions  and  standards  as  to  ventilation  shall  not  apply  to 
storage  rooms  or  vaults  or  any  place  where  the  manufacturing  processes  therein 
conducted  would  be  materially  interfered  with,  or  where  manufacturing  processes 
therein  conducted  \vould  produce  considerable  quantities  of  free  carbon  dioxide, 
except  that  the  air  in  such  rooms  or  vaults  or  in  any  places  of  manufacture  shall 
not  be  permitted  to  become  Detrimental  to  the  health  of  those  who  enter  or  work 
therein. 

(p)  No  part  of  the  fresh  air  supplied  in  compliance  with  the  requirements  of 
this  section  shall  be  taken  from  any  cellar  or  basement. 

(q)  No  person,  firm  or  corporation,  either  as  owner,  proprietor,  lessee,  man- 
ager or  superintendent  of  any  factory,  mill,  workshop  or  any  other  building  where 


164  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

one  or  more  persons  are  employed,  shall  cause,  permit  or  allow  the  same  or  any 
portion  or  apartment  of  any  room  in  such  factory,  mill  or  workshop,  to  be  over- 
crowded or  to  have  inadequate,  faulty  or  insufficient  light  or  ventilation. 

(r)  No  person  shall  be  exposed  to  any  direct  draft  from  any  air  inlet,  nor 
to  any  draft  having  a  temperature  of  less  than  sixty  degrees. 

(s)  All  poisonous  or  noxious  fumes  or  gases  arising  from  any  process,  and  all 
dust  of  a  character  injurious  to  the  health  of  the  persons  employed,  which  is 
created  in  the  course  of  a  manufacturing  process,  within  such  factory,  mill,  workshop 
or  laundry,  shall  be  removed,  as  far  as  practicable,  by  either  ventilating  or  exhaust 
devices. 


ARTICLE    XXI. 

ELEVATORS    AND   THEIR   ENCLOSING  WALLS. 

681.  Elevators— Passenger  and  Freight — Permit  for  Construction— Fee— Pen- 
alty.) (a)  Before  proceeding  with  the  construction  or  alteration  of  any  passenger 
or  freight  elevator,  except  such  as  are  hereinafter  specially  exempted  from  the  pro- 
visions of  this  Chapter,  a  permit  for  such  construction  or  alteration  shall  be  ob- 
tained from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  either  by  the  owner  or  agent  of  the 
building  in  which  such  elevator  is  to  be  constructed  or  in  which  such  alterations  are 
to  be  made,  or  by  the  contractor  who  is  about  to  construct  or  alter  such  elevator. 

(b)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  such  owner,  agent,  or  contractor  to  permit  or 
allow  the  construction  of  any  such  elevator  or  the  making  of  such  alterations,  or  to 
proceed  with  or  in  or  about  any  of  the  work  of  construction  or  alteration  of  any 
such  elevator  until  such  permit  shall  first  have  been  obtained.     Such  permit  shall  be 
issued  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  after  application  shall  have  been  made  to 
him  therefor  by  any  such  owner,  agent  or  contractor,  specifying  the  number  and 
kind  of  elevators  which  it  is  desired  to  construct,  or  the  nature  of  the  alterations 
to  be  made,  and  the  location  of  the  building  or  structure  in  which  the  same  is  or  are 
to  be  placed  or  made.     Such  application  shall  be  accompanied  with  such  plans  and 
specifications  as  shall  be  necessary  to  advi&e  and  inform  said  Commissioner  of  the 
plan  of  construction,  type  of  elevator,  kind  of  alterations  and  the  location  thereof. 
If  such  plans  and  specifications  shall  show  that  such  elevator  or  elevators  is  or  are 
to  be  constructed  or  erected  or  altered  in  conformity  with  the  provisions  of  this 
Chapter,  the  Commissioner  shall  approve  the  same  and  shall  issue  a  permit  to  such 
applicant  upon  the  payment  by  such   applicant  of  a  fee  of  two   dollars   for  each 
elevator  to  be  constructed,  erected  or  altered,  and  such  fee  shall  be  known  as  a 
permit  fee  and  shall  not  be  held  to  cover  the  cost  of  any  inspection  which  shall  at 
any  time  thereafter  be  made  of  such  elevator  or  elevators  when  constructed,  or  of 
any  alterations  made. 

(c)  All  contractors  or  persons,  firms,  or  corporations,  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture and  work  of  installing  iron  doors  on  passenger  or  freight  elevators,  or  of 
installing  wire  work  enclosures   around  elevators  shall   secure   a   permit  from   the 
Commissioner  of  'Buildings  for  the  work  on  each  such  elevator,  the  fee  for  which 
shall  be  two  dollars  for  each  elevator. 

(d)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  either  as  owner, 
lessee,  contractor  or  agent  of  any  building  or  structure  in  which  any  elevator  or 
elevators    are   to    be    constructed   or    altered   to    proceed    with    said   work    without 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  165 

securing  a  permit  as  herein  required  for  such  construction  or  alteration,  and  no  such 
permit  shall  be  issued  until  such  person,  firm  or  corporation,  lessee,  contractor  or 
agent  shall  have  complied  with  all  the  requirements  of  this  Chapter. 

682.  Enclosure  of  Elevator  Shafts  in  Non-Fireproof  Buildings.)     In  all  non- 
fireproof  buildings  hereafter  erected  all  passenger  elevators  and  all  freight  elevators, 
except  such  as  are  expressly  excepted  by  this  Chapter,  shall  be  inclosed  in  a  wall  of 
brick,  tile  or  such  incombustible  material  as  may,  from  time  to  time,  be  approved 
by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings   as   proper  and  suitable  for  the  purpose;   such 
inclosure  shall  extend  from  the  foundation  to  the  roof  of  such  building,  and  shall 
be   supported   independently  of  the   floor  construction;   provided,   further,  however, 
that  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  not  apply  to  any  non-fireproof  building 
which  is  equipped  throughout  on  every  floor  and  in  every  room  thereof  and  in  all 
stairways,   platforms,   elevator   shafts,   elevator   hoistways  and  well  holes  with   an 
automatic  sprinkler  system  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

683.  Enclosure  of  Pits  and  Shafts  in  Basements.)     In  all  buildings  heretofore 
or  hereafter  erected,  whenever  any  elevator  shaft  extends  down  into  a  basement  or 
sub-basement,  that  portion  thereof  extending  below  the  street  level  shall  be  inclosed 
in.  walls  of  brick,  tile  or  other  fireproof  material,  and  the  door  openings  in  such 
inclosures  shall  be  protected  by  incombustible  doors.     Where  such  elevator  shafts 
do  not  extend  down  into  the  basement  they  shall  be  provided  with  fireproof  pits 
at  the  lowermost  floor  level  above  which  they  serve,  and  such  pits  shall  have  no 
openings  except  for  cables  or  other  elevator  equipment. 

684.  Enclosure  of  Dumb  Waiter  Shafts — Materials.)    In  all  non-fireproof  build- 
ings hereafter  erected,  the  dumb  waiter  shafts  shall  be  enclosed  with  brick,  tile, 
reinforced  concrete,  or  cement  plaster  not  less  than  two  inches  thick  or  metal  studs 
and  lath. 

685.  Doors — On  Elevators.)     In  all  elevator  shafts  which  aie  herein  required 
to  be  enclosed  with  fireproof  walls,  the  door  openings  shall  be  equipped  with  doors 
of  incombustible  material,  which  shall  be  made  to  open  from  the  outside  by  means 
of  a  key  or  other  device  satisfactory  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

686.  Hatch  Doors — Freight  Elevators.)     Elevators,  used  exclusively  as  freight 
elevators  constructed  and  in  operation  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance 
need  not  have  enclosing  walls,  but  in  all  such  cases  there  shall  be  at  every  floor 
through   which  such   freight  elevators  pass  automatic  hatch   closers  or   automatic 
doors,  made  in   such   manner  that  they  will   fully  close  each  well  hole  when  the 
temperature  in  such  well  hole  exceeds  140    degrees    Fahrenheit;    and    it    shall    be 
the   duty  of   the   owner,    agent   or    person    in   possession,    charge   or   control    of    a 
building    in    which    such    elevator    is    maintained    to    keep    such    hatch    closers   or 
doors    at  all   times   in   good   working  order.      Such  automatic  hatch   closers   shall 
be   examined    by    the    Commissioner    of    Buildings    and    the    Fire    Marshal    and    if 
said  officials  shall  find  that  such  doors  will  automatically  close  when  the  tempera- 
ture at  or  near  such  doors  exceeds  140  degrees  Fahrenheit,  and  that  the  conditions 
of  construction  and  operation  of  such  doors  or  hatch  closers  are  such  that  there  is 
no  reasonable  probability  of  their  getting  out  of  order  and  failing  to  operate  when 
required,    and   that    in   their    construction   or    operation   there   is   nothing   that   is 
likely  to  cause  accidents  to  or  interference  with  the  elevator  service  in  such  hatch 
holes  which  they  were  intended  to  close,  and  that  the  building  in  which  such  freight 
elevator  is  in  use  is  equipped  with  stairways,  fire  escapes  and  passenger  elevators 
sufficient  to  offer  ample  means  of  escape  from  such  building:  in  case  of  fire,  for  all 


166  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

persons  employed  or  for  all  persons  in  such  building,  then,  and  in  such  case  only, 
shall  the  use  of  such  hatch  doors  or  closers  be  permitted.  All  freight  elevators  in 
non-fireproof  buildings  shall  comply  with  the  preceding  requirements  of  this  sec- 
tion, or  shall  have  inclosing  walls  of  incombustible  or  fireproof  construction.  Such 
elevators  are  to  be  inspected  semi-annually  and  oftener  when,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  such  inspection  is  necessary  and  such  fees  shall  be  paid 
for  said  inspection  as  otherwise  provided  in  said  chapter. 

*687.  Safety  Devices.)  (a)  Every  passenger  and  freight  elevator  now 
in  operation  or  hereafter  installed,  except  such  as  are  hereinafter  exempted  from  the 
provisions  of  this  Chapter,  shall  be  provided  with  a  speed  governor  and  such  other 
efficient  devices  to  secure  the  safe  operation  of  such  passenger  or  freight  elevator, 
and  to  prevent  the  cab  or  car  of  such  elevator  from  falling,  and  to  secure  the 
safety  of  the  cab  or  car  and  its  load  in  case  it  does  fall,  as  may  be  required  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings.  Such  speed  governor  and  other  devices  shall  be  sub- 
jected to  such  a  practical  test  as  may  be  determined  by  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  efficiency  of  such  safety  devices. 

(b)  It   shall  be   the   duty  of  the   Commissioner  of   Buildings   to   make    such 
test  of  each  and  every  device  upon  all  elevators,  and  no  elevator  shall  be  permitted 
to  be  run  until  such  test  has  been  made. 

(c)  That  whenever  any  accident  shall  occur  causing  injury  to  any  person  af- 
fecting life  or  limb,  in  or  about  an  elevator,  or  while  getting  on  or  off  an  elevator, 
or  in  any  way  impairing  the  safety  of  the  elevator,  the  same  shall  be  reported  at 
once  by  the  owner,  superintendent,  lessee  or  manager  of  the  building,  or  the  operator 
of  the  elevator,  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings.     No  broken  or  damaged  part  of 
such  elevator  shall  be  moved  or  displaced,  or  repairs  made  thereon,  nor  shall  said 
elevator  be  operated  until  an  investigation  into  such  accident  has  been  made  by 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  or  his  duly  authorized  agent.     A  full  report  in  writ- 
ing of  the  result  of  each  investigation  shall  be  filed  in  the  Department  of  Buildings, 
and  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  keep  a  complete  record  of  all  such  acci- 
dents and  reports  thereon. 

(d)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  operator  of  any  elevator  in  the  City  of  Chi- 
cago wherein  passengers  are  conveyed  to  start  such  elevator  until  all  doors  of  such 
elevator  and  leading  into  such  elevator  shall  be  closed.     It  shall  be  unlawful   for 
auy  such  operator  to  open  the  doors  of  such  elevator  until  said  elevator  has  come 
to  a  full  stop. 

(e)  Any  person  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  be  fined 
not  less  than  twenty-five  dollars  nor  more  than  two  hundred  dollars  for  each  of- 
fense. 

688.  Safeguards  for  Elevators.)  (a)  Where  the  counterweights  travel  in 
the  same  hatchway  with  an  elevator  car,  the  portion  of  the  car  contiguous  to  the 
weights  shall  be  protected  from  the  top  to  the  bottom  of  the  car  by  a  suitable 
guard. 

(b)  All  freight  elevators  shall  be  provided  with  a  guard  at  least  six  feet 
high.  All  elevator  cabs  or  cars,  whether  used  for  freight  or  passengers,  shall  be 
provided  with  some  device  whereby  the  car  or  cab  may  be  held  in  the  event  of 
accident  to  the  shipper  rope  or  hoisting  machinery  or  controlling  apparatus. 


*As  amended  April  28,  1913.     See  page  226,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  167 

(c)  No  passenger  elevator  hereafter  erected  shall  be  installed  with  a  freight 
compartment  either  below  or  above  the  car. 

(d)  All  hoistways,    hatchways,   elevator   wells   and   wheel   holes   in   factories, 
mercantile  establishments,  mills  or  workshops,  shall  be  securely  fenced,  inclosed  or 
Dtherwise  safely  protected,  and  due  diligence  shall  be  used  to  keep  all  such  means 
or  protection  closed,  except  when  it  is  necessary  to  have  the  same  open,  in  order 
that  the  said  hatchways,  elevators  or  hoisting  apparatus  may  be  used. 

(e)  It  shall  be  unlawful  to  erect  or  maintain  an  elevator  where  such  elevator 
or  its  counterweight  descends  into  any  passageway  or  thoroughfare. 

(f)  There   shall   be   directly   under  the  sheaves  at  the  top   of  every  elevator 
hatchway,  a  grating  of  steel  or  heavy  wire  mesh  properly  supported  by  steel   or 
iron  and  capable  of  sustaining  a  load  of  not  less  than  500  pounds. 

(g)  All  counterweights  hereafter  installed  shall  have  their  component  parts  so 
fastened  together  as  to  prevent  any  piece  or  pieces  from  becoming  detached  from 
the  guides  should  the  counterweights  be  accidentally  drawn  to  the  top  of  the  hatch- 
way. 

(h)  Where  drum  counterweight  cables  run  through  or  pass  by  the  car  counter- 
weights to  weights  underneath,  they  shall  be  provided  with  a  suitable  covering  to 
prevent  their  chafing  and  wearing  on  the  counterweights. 

(i)  Where  elevators  other  than  hand  hoists  and  sidewalk  elevators  are  not 
inclosed  with  fireproof  or  incombustible  material,  as  is  elsewhere  herein  specified  in 
this  Article,  the  well-hole  of  such  elevator  shall  be  enclosed  with  a  wire  guard  not 
less  than  six  feet  high.  The  counterweights  and  the  immediate  space  through  which 
they  travel  must  be  protected  from  the  floor  to  the  ceiling  with  a  wire  guard  or  with 
other  incombustible  material.  There  must  be  on  all  elevators  hereafter  constructed  a 
clear  space  of  not  less  than  two  feet  between  the  bottom  of  the  hatchway  and  the 
level  of  the  lower  floor  landing  when  the  car  is  at  its  lowest  position,  and  there  must 
bt  a  clearance  of  at  least  four  feet  from  the  top  of  the  crossbeam  of  the  car  to  the 
lower  side  of  the  grating  under  the  overhead  sheaves.  Whenever  there  is  a  conflict 
in  regard  to  the  manner  of  enclosing  any  elevator  shaft  or  portion  thereof  between 
this  section  and  Sections  682,  683  and  684,  the  provisions  of  the  latter  sections  shall 
prevail. 

(j)  All  passenger  and  freight  elevators  hereafter  installed,  except  sidewalk  or 
hand  elevators,  shall  have  an  artificial  traveling  gas  or  electric  light  attached  to 
the  car  and  maintained  in  good  working  condition. 

(k)  All  power  driven  elevators  hereafter  constructed  or  installed  shall  have  at 
least  two  hoisting  cables  for  the  cage  and  two  cables  for  each  counterweight.  The 
lifting  and  counterweight  cables  shall  have  at  least  one  full  turn  of  the  cable  on  the 
drum  when  the  car  has  run  its  limit. 

(1)  It  shall  be  unlawful  to  change  a  hand-hoist  to  a  power-driven  elevator  with- 
out first  making  application  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  for  a  permit  for  such 
change,  and  it  shall  be  unlawful  to  connect  an  electric  motor  or  any  other  appliance 
to  the  hand  elevator  machinery  without  the  approval  of  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings. 

(m)     All  elevators,  except  hand  elevators  operated  by  a  pulley  rope  and  side- 


168  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

walk  ram  or  chain  hoist  elevators,  and  elevators  used  in  tunnels  for  freight  service 
only,  shall  be  equipped  with  a  safety  speed  governor. 

(n)  Where  ropes  or  cables  are  used  to  operate  safety  devices,  a  weight  shall 
be  properly  attached  to  the  same  in  such  a  manner  as  to  insure  the  necessary  ten- 
sion on  such  ropes  or  cables  for  proper  performance  of  the  safety  devices. 

(o)  All  elevators  propelled  by  electricity  shall  be  provided  with  an  additional 
device  not  operated  by  a  link  belt  or  sprocket  chain  which  will  automatically  stop 
the  elevator  machinery  when  the  car  has  reached  its  limit  of  travel.  It  shall  be 
unlawful  to  construct  or  maintain  any  elevator  equipped  with  a  sprocket  chain  or 
link  belt  device  or  devices  connecting  the  operating  device  and  controller. 

(p)  An  emergency  switch  which  will  disconnect  the  current  shall  be  provided 
in  all  passenger  elevators  hereafter  instated  which  are  operated  by  an  electric  con- 
troller car  switch,  and  such  cars  shall  be  £  j  constructed  that  they  will  automatically 
stop  when  the  current  is  disconnected. 

(q)  The  underside  of  the  floors  or  other  parts  of  a  building  which  project  into 
passenger  elevator  shafts  shall  be  equipped  with  a  smooth  steel  guard  curved  and 
sloped  from  the  enclosure  of  said  elevator  to  the  edge  of  such  projection  for  the 
width  of  the  door  to  such  elevator  car  and  the  slope  of  the  guard  plate  shall  not 
be  less  than  sixty  degrees  with  the  horizon. 

(r)  The  provisions  of  this  section  requiring  the  equipment  of  elevators  with 
safety  devices  shall  not  apply  to  any  hand  hoists,  elevator  or  hoist  used  solely  for 
hoisting  materials  or  tools  in  any  building  in  course  of  construction,  but  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  shall  make  such  reasonable  requirements  as  he  may  deem 
necessary  for  public  safety  in  the  operation  of  such  hand  hoists,  elevators  or 
hoists  used  solely  for  hoisting  materials  or  tools  in  such  buildings  while  under 
construction. 

689.  Inspection — Test — Certificate  to  Be  Posted.)  (a)  Every  elevator  now  in 
operation  or  which  may  be  hereafter  installed,  together  with  the  hoistway  and  all 
equipment  thereof,  shall  be  inspected  under  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  at  least  once  every  six  months,  and  in  no  case  shall  any  new 
elevator  be  placed  in  operation  until  an  inspection  of  the  same  has  been  made. 

(b)  It  sKall  be  the  duty  of  every  owner  or  agent,  lessee  or  occupant  of  any 
building  wherein  any  elevator  is  installed  and  the  person  in  charge  or  control  of  any 
elevator  to  permit  the  making  of  a  test  and  inspection  of  such  elevator  or  elevators 
and  all  devices  used  in  connection  therewith  upon  demand  being  made  by  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  or  by  a  duly  authorized  Elevator  Inspector  within  five  days 
after  such  demand  has  been  made. 

(c)  Whenever  any  such  elevator  has  been  inspected  and  the  tests  herein  re- 
quired shall  have  been  made  of  all  safety  devices  with  which  such  elevator  is  required 
to  be  equipped,  and  the  result  of  such  inspection  and  tests  shows  such  elevator  to 
be  in  good  condition,  satisfactory  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  and  that  such 
safety   devices   have   been    provided    in    accordance  with    tne    requirements   of   this 
Chapter,  and  are  in  good  working  condition  and  in  good  repair,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  issue  or  cause  to  be  issued  a  certificate  setting 
forth  the  result  of  such  inspection  and  tests  and  containing  the  date  of  inspection, 
the  weight  which  the  elevator  will  safely  carry  and  a  statement  to  the  effect  thai 


KUILDINQ    ORDINANCES.  169 

the  shaft  doors,  hoistway  and  all  equipment,  including  safety  devices,  are  con- 
structed in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter,  upon  the  payment  of 
the  inspection  fee  required  by  this  Chapter. 

(d)  It  shall  be  the  joint  duty  of  the  owner,  agent,  lessee  or  occupant  of  the 
building  in  which  such  elevator  is  located  and  of  each  person  in  charge  or  control 
of  such  elevator  to  frame  the  certificate  and  place  same  in  a  conspicuous  place  in 
each  elevator. 

(e)  The  words  "safe  condition"  in  this  section  shall  mean  that  it  is  safe  for 
any  load  up  to  the  amount  of  weight  named  in  such  certificate. 

(f)  Where  the  result  of  such  inspection  or  tests  shall  show  such  elevator  to 
be  in  an  unsafe  condition  or  in  bad  repair,  or  shall  show  that  the  safety  devices, 
or  any  of  them,  which  are  required  by  this  Chapter,  have  not  been  installed,  or  if 
installed,  are  not  in  good  working  order  or  not  in  good  repair,  such  certificate  shall 
not  be  issued  until  such  elevator,  its  hoistway  and  its  equipment  or  such  device  or 
devices  shall  have  been  put  in  good  working  order,  satisfactory  to  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings.     The  inspection  fees  herein  required  shall  be  paid  either  at  the  time 
application  is  made  for  inspection  or  upon  the  completion  of  such  inspection  and 
tests. 

690.  Power  of  Commissioner  to  Stop  Operation  of  Elevators.)  (a)  Whenever 
any  building  or  elevator  inspector  finds  any  passenger  or  freight  elevator  or  any  of 
its  running  parts  or  automatic  devices  or  other  equipment  out  of  order,  or  in  an 
unsafe  condition,  he  shall  immediately  report  the  same  to  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  together  with  a  statement  of  all  the  facts  relating  to  the  condition  of 
such  elevator  or  elevators. 

(b)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  upon  receiving  from 
any  inspector  a  report  of  the  unsafe  condition  of  any  elevator,  to  order  and  cause 
such  elevator  not  to  be  used  until  the  same  shall  have  been  placed  in  a  safe  con- 
dition, and  it  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  owner,  agent,  lessee,  or  occupant  of  any 
building,  wherein  any  such  passenger  or  freight  elevator  is  located  within  the  city, 
to  permit  or  allow  any  such  elevator  to  be  used  after  the  receipt  of  a  notice  in 
writing  from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  that  any  such  elevator  is  out  of  order 
or  is  in  an  unsafe  condition  and  until  said  elevator  has  been  put  in  a  safe  and 
proper  condition  as  required  by  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter. 


ARTICLE  XXII. 

STORAGE       OF      OILS. 

*691.  Construction  of  Buildings  for  Storage  of  Oils  Hereafter  Prohibited,  Ex- 
cept, Etc.)  (a)  It  shall  hereafter  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to 
build,  construct  or  erect  any  building  designed  for  the  storage  of  crude  petroleum,  gaso- 
line, naphtha,  benzine,  camphine,  carbon  oil,  tar  or  any  compound  thereof, 
spirit  gas,  burning  fluid,  spirits  of  turpentine,  coal  oil,  earth  oil,  or  any  other  liquid 


*As  amended  August  14,  1912.     See  page  1712,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council. 


170  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

except  such  as  will  stand  a  test  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  degrees  Fahrenheit  ac- 
cording to  the  method  of  John  Tagliabue;  provided,  however,  that  no  such  build- 
ing shall  hereafter  be  constructed  within  three  hundred  feet  of  any  building  used 
in  whole  or  in  part  for  residence  purposes. 

(b)  Buildings  heretofore  erected  designed  for  the  storage  of  the  fluids  men- 
tioned in  the  preceding  paragraph  must  conform  to  the  following  provisions: 

(c)  The  walls  shall  be  of  brick,  stone  or  concrete,  and  shall  be  not  less  than 
sixteen  inches  thick  or  more  than  sixteen  feet  high.     The  lower  floor  of  such  build- 
ings shall  'be  at  least  three  feet  below  the  grade  of  the  adjoining  street  and  shall  be 
made  of  earth,  concrete,  or  brick.     The  roof  of  such  buildings  shall  be  made  of 
tile,   metal   or  other   incombustible   material,   and   the  outside   walls  of  any    such 
buildings  having  a  flat  roof  shall  extend  at  least  eighteen  inches  above  the  roof. 
The  coping  upon  the  roof  of  such  buildings  shall  be  made  of  incombustible  material. 
Such  buildings  shall  be  detached  from  all  other  buildings  and  shall  be  properly  venti- 
lated.    Where  any  such  building  shall  be  located  less  than  twenty-five  feet  away 
from  any  other  building  or  structure,  the  wall  or  walls  of  such  oil  storage  building 
on  the  side  or  sides  thereof  within  such  distance  of  twenty-five  feet  from  any  other 
building  or  structure  shall  have  no  window  or  other  opening  therein;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  if  such  building  cannot  be  so  constructed  .that  no  outside  wall   thereof 
shall  be  less  than  twenty-five  feet  away  from  any  other  building  or  structure,  in 
such   case,  openings  may  be  made   in  the  wall  of  such  building  which   is  located 
farthest  away  from  any  other  building  or  structure  for  the  purpose  of  admitting 
light  or  providing  means  of  access  thereto  or  egress  therefrom.     If  such  opening  be  a 
window,  the  glass  in  such  window  shall  be  fire-resisting  glass  in  metal  frame,  and 
such  window  shall  be  provided  with  a  steel  shutter. 

(d)  No  such  building  shall  be  occupied  for  any  purpose  other  than  the  storage 
of  oils,  and  no  person  shall  be  permitted  to  use  any  such  building  as  a  sleeping 
apartment  or  dwelling  place. 

(e)  Such   buildings    and  the   equipment   thereof,   including  the   protection  of 
the  doors  and  windows,  shall  be  constructed  according  to  plans  and  specifications 
submitted  to  and  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

*692.  Storage  of  Oils.)  (a)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  cor- 
poration to  keep  or  store  crude  petroleum,  gasoline,  naphtha,  benzine,  camphine, 
carbon  oil,  tar  or  any  compound  thereof,  spirit  gas,  burning  fluid,  spirits  of  tur- 
pentine, coal  oil,  rock  oil,  earth  oil,  or  any  other  liquid,  except  such  as  will  stand 
a  test  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  degrees  Fahrenheit,  according  to  the  method  of 
John  Ta-gliabue,  in  any  quantity  exceeding  ten  gallons,  upon  or  in  any  building, 
structure  or  premises,  within  the  City  of  Chicago,  except  in  such  a  building  or 
structure  as  has  been  heretofore  constructed  in  accordance  with  the  provisions 
of  Section  691,  or  in  such  tanks  as  are  provided  for  in  Section  693  of  The  Chicago 
Code  of  1911. 

(b)  Where  ten  gallons  or  less  of  any  of  the  above-mentioned  oils  or  fluids,  ex- 
cept such  as  will  stand  the  test  above-mentioned,  are  kept  upon  or  in  any  building 
or  structure  within  the  city,  they  must  be  kept  in  safety  cans  made  of  not  less 
than  24-gauge  galvanized  iron  or  other  suitable  metal  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal, 


*As  amended  August  14,  1912.     See  page  1713,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the   City  Council. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  171 

with  opening  or  openings  protected  by  self-closing  stops,  and  such  safety  cans  must 
be  of  a.  type  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal. 

(c)  No  gas,  candle,  oil  or  other  like  artificial  light  or  lighted  stove,  gas  grate 
or  other  open  flame  or  electric  switch  or  cut-out  of  any  kind  shall  be  allowed  within 
fifteen  feet  of  any  receptacle  or  receptacles  containing  any  of  the  oils  or  fluids 
mentioned  in  this  Article,  nor  shall  electric  switches  or  cutouts  be  located  closer 
than  four  feet  to  the  floor  in  rooms  containing  such  oils  or  fluids. 

*G93.  Tanks  for  Storage  of  Oils.)  (a)  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  desiring 
to  use  any  space  underneath  the  surface  of  the  ground,  or  underneath  any  building 
in  the  City  of  Chicago,  except  in  such  a  building  or  structure  as  was  formerly  au- 
thorized under  the  provisions  of  Section  691  of  this  Article,  for  the  construction, 
maintenance  or  use  of  any  tank  thereunder  for  the  storage  of  any  one  or  more  of 
the  oils  or  fluids  mentioned  in  Section  692,  shall  first  obtain  a  permit  so  to  do  from 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  of  the  City  of  Chicago,  and  the  applicant  shall  pay 
to  the  City  Collector  a  fee  of  two  dollars  ($2.00)  for  each  tank  prior  to  the 
issuance  of  such  permit,  which  fee  shall  cover  the  cost  of  the  inspection  thereof, 
and  no  such  permit  shall  be  issued  without  first  being  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal 
of  the  City  of  Chicago,  and  said  permit  may  be  revoked  by  the  Mayor  at  any  time 
for  a  just  cause. 

( b )  Applications  for  such  permits  shall  be  in  writing,  stating  specifically  the 
location,  the  space  desired  to  be  used,  the  length,  breadth  and  depth,  together  with 
the  measurement  in  feet  from-  the  surface  of  the  ground  to  the  top  of  such  tank 
and  shall  contain  the  plans  and  specifications  for  the  construction  of  said  tank,  its 
connections,  fittings,   openings    and    safety    appliances.       Provided,    however,    that 
whenever  application  is  made  to  construct  any  such  tank  or  tanks  in  any  block  or 
square  in  which  two-thirds  of  the  property  according  to  frontage  on  both  sides  of 
the  street  is  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  such  application  shall  be  ac- 
companied by  the  written  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  property  owners  according 
to   frontage  in  such  block   or  square   before  a   permit   shall  issue.     This  provision 
shall  not  be  applicable  to  the  construction  of  a  tank  or  tanks  to  be  used  in  connec- 
tion with  a  private  garage. 

(c)  Tanks  for  the  underground  storage  of  the  oils  or  fluids  mentioned  in  Sec- 
tion 692  with  the  exceptions  therein  provided  shall  be  made  of  galvanized  steel,  open 
hearth   basic   steel  or  wrought  iron  of   a  gauge   depending  upon   the  capacity,   as 
follows:    14  U.  S.  gauge  for  capacities  of  180  gallons  or  less;    12  U.  S.  gauge  for 
capacities  of  181  to  300  gallons;  7  U.  S.  gauge  for  capacities  of  301  to  4.000  gallons; 
one-fourth    inch   with   three-eighths   inch   heads   for   capacities   of   4,001    to    10,000 
gallons;   three-eighths  inch  for  capacities  of  10,001  to  12,600  gallons.     All  portions 
of  such  tanks  shall  be  either  riveted,  and  soldered  or  caulked,  or  welded  or  brazed 
together  and  made  oil-tight  and  shall  be  coated  on  the  outside  with  tar,  asphaltum 
or  other  rust-resisting  material.    Every  such  tank  exceeding  4,000  gallons  in  capacity 
shall  have  a  manhole. 

(d)  Tanks  (other  than  portable  filling  tanks  hereinafter  mentioned,  those 
located  in  buildings  heretofore  constructed  under  the  provisions  of  Section  691  of  this 

*As  amended  April  14.  1913.  See  page  4425,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  City  Council.  [This  Section  was  previously  amended  December  18,  1911.  See 
pa^«-  '2(>7fi.  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council  for  said  date.] 


172  CITY   OF  CHICAGO 

Article  and  those  located  beneath  or  attached  to  buildings  as  hereinafter  provided 
in  this  section)  shall  be  placed  and  maintained  with  the  tops  at  least  two  feet  under 
the  surface  of  the  ground  and  shall  have  no  building  or  structure  of  any  kind  over 
or  above  them.  When  located  not  less  than  two  hundred  (200)  feet  away  from  any 
building  or  structure  or  from  any  street,  alley  or  public  way,  dock,  water  front, 
lumber  yard  or  any  yard  or  place  where  combustible  materials  are  kept  or  stored, 
such  tanks  shall  contain  not  to  exceed  twelve  thousand  six  hundred  gallons  each, 
and  when  located  less  than  two  hundred  feet  away  from  any  building  or  other 
structure  or  from  any  street,  alley  or  public  way,  dock,  water  front,  lumber  yard  or 
any  yard  or  place  where  combustible  materials  are  kept  or  stored,  shall  contain  not 
to  exceed  one  thousand  gallons  each;  provided,  however,  that  the  aggregate  capacity 
of  tanks  located  within  thirty  feet  of  any  building  shall  not  exceed  five  thousand 
gallons.  No  such  tank  shall  be  connected  either  directly  or  indirectly  with  any 
public  or  private  sewer,  drain  or  catch  basin  in  the  City  of  Chicago  unless  an  ap- 
proved oil  separator  is  provided,  or  unless  such  tank  in  and  of  itself,  or  together 
with  its  fittings,  is  capable  of  performing  the  functions  of  an  oil  separator,  and  so 
installed  as  to  prevent  the  discharge  of  any  of  the  liquids  mentioned  in  Section  No. 
691  into  said  sewers,  drain  or  catch  basin.  All  pipes  leading  to  or  from  such 
tanks  shall  be  of  galvanized  wrought  iron  with  heavy  galvanized  cast-iron  or 
brass  fittings,  protected  against  injury,  and  shall  be  so  placed  that  the  tops  of 
such  tanks  shall  be  lower  than  the  level  of  the  lowest  pipe  in  the  building  used  in 
connection  therewith,  and  all  such  tanks  shall  be  so  placed  that  no  artificial  light 
shall  be  required  while  filling.  Each  tank  shall  be  provided  with  a  filler  pipe  of 
galvanized  iron  or  brass  not  less  than  one  and  one-quarter  inches  in  diameter  en- 
tering at  the  top  of  the  tank  and  extending  not  less  than  four  inches  below  the  top 
of  the  tank,  the  upper  end  of  which  said  filler  pipe  shall  terminate  in  a  locked 
screw  cap  or  metal  filler  box,  which  must  be  kept  securely  locked  at  all  times, 
except  when  such  tank  is  being  filled,  and  each  such  tank  unless  hydraulically  ope- 
rated, shall  have  a  vent  pipe  so  arranged  that  the  filler  pipe  cannot  be  opened 
without  opening  the  vent  pipe  unless  a  permanently  open  vent  pipe  is  used,  in 
which  case  such  vent  pipe  shall  be  not  less  than  one  inch  in  diameter  and  shall 
be  carried  up  to  the  outer  air  and  terminate  in  a  weatherproof  hood.  The  tops 
of  all  fill  pipes  and  vent  pipes  shall  be  provided  with  a  brass  screen  of  not  less  than 
thirty  mesh  to  the  inch.  Tanks  located  inside  of  building  walls,  or  within  ten 
feet  thereof,  must  have  permanently  open  vent  pipes,  which  shall  be  carried  up 
ten  feet  above  the  roof  of  the  building  to  which  they  are  attached  and  terminate  at 
least  twenty  feet  from  all  openings  in  adjacent  buildings.  Where  vent  pipes  are 
located  at  the  surface  of  the  ground,  they  shall  terminate  in  a  locked  screw  cap,  or 
other  device,  which  shall  be  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal.  Fill  and  vent  pipes 
shall  be  so  located  as  not  to  create  exposure  to  openings  in  any  building.  The 
installation  of  said  tanks  shall  be  subject  to  the  supervision  and.  approval  of 
the  Fire  Marshal  of  the  City  of  Chicago,  and  they  shall  not  be  covered  up  un- 
til the  said  Fire  Marshal  has  inspected  them  and  found  that  the  tanks  and  their 
equipment  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  section  and  until  said  Fire  Marshal 
has  issued  to  the  owner  thereof  a  certificate  to  that  effect. 

(e)  Tanks  for  the  storage  of  one  or  more  of  the  oils  or  fluids  mentioned  in  Sec- 
tion 692  of  an  aggregate  capacity  of  not  more  than  three  hundred  gallons,  may  be 
installed  beneath  buildings.  Every  such  tank  shall  be  enclosed  by  a  casing  of  con- 
crete at  least  six  inches  in  thickness  and  shall  be  so  situated  and  constructed  that 
the  top  of  such  tank  shall  be  at  least  two  feet  below  the  upper  surface  of  the 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  173 

lowest  floor,  which  shall  be  constructed  of  concrete  not  less  than  six  inches  thick. 
The  filling  pipes  of  tanks  installed  underneath  buildings  as  provided  in  this  para- 
graph must  terminate  outside  of  the  outer  wall  of  said  building  in  a  locked  screw 
cap  or  other  device  of  a  design  which  shall  be  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal  of  the 
City  of  Chicago,  and  said  screw  cap  or  device  must  be  kept  securely  locked  at  all 
times  except  when  such  tank  is  being  filled,  and  where  any  such  filler  pipe  runs  to  a 
sidewalk,  alley  or  public  highway  it  must  terminate  in  a  locked  screw  cap  or  other 
device  of  a  design  which  shall  be  approved  by  the  said  Fire  Marshal  and  which  shall 
be  set  flush  with  the  surface  of  the  sidewalk,  alley  or  highway,  and  provided  with  a 
locked  iron  cover,  which  must  be  kept  securely  locked  at  all  times,  except  when  such 
tank  is  being  filled.  The  filling  pipe  and  the  vent  pipe  of  any  such  tank  must  be 
laid  underneath  the  concrete  floor  of  the  building  until  they  reach  the  outside  of  the 
outer  wall  of  said  building.  Such  tanks  shall  comply  in  all  other  respects  with  the 
provisions,  conditions  and  requirements  of  the  preceding  paragraphs  of  this  section ; 
provided,  however,  that  no  such  tank  shall  be  constructed  underneath  any  building 
any  part  of  which  is  used  for  residence,  hotel  or  lodging  purposes.  Such  tanks 
must  be  supplied  with  pumps  or  other  devices  for  the  removal  of  the  contents 
thereof  which  shall  have  been  approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal  of  the  City  of  Chicago. 
Each  pipe  connecting  such  tank  with  the  pump  or  the  device  for  the  removal  of  its 
contents  shall  be  of  galvanized  iron  and  must  be  so  laid  that  no  portion  thereof  is 
lower  than  its  level  at  the  point  where  such  pipe  is  connected  with  the  tank,  and  it 
shall  be  pitched  upward  from  the  tank  to  the  pump  or  other  device  used  for  the  re- 
moval of  the  contents  of  such  tank,  and  said  pipe  shall  be  laid  at  least  eighteen 
inches  below  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and  all  exposed  portions  thereof  shall  be 
properly  protected. 

(f)  Sealed  portable  filling  tanks  of  a  capacity  of  not  more  than  sixty  gallons 
may  be  used  inside  of  garages  for  the  storage  and  handling  of  any  one  or  more  of 
the  oils  or  fluids  mentioned  in  Section  692.    Such  tanks  shall  be  constructed  of  not 
less  than  No.  7  U.  S.  gauge  steel,  supported  on  steel  wheels  not  less  than  thirty 
inches  in  diameter  with  rubber  tires,  and  provided  with  an  approved  pump  or  other 
device  for  the  removal  of  the  contents  thereof,  and  a  hose,  of  length  not  to  exceed 
eight  feet,  through  which  the  oil  or  fluid  is  to  flow. 

(g)  Pressure  tanks  not  exceeding  six  gallons  oil  capacity,  constructed  of  not 
less  than  No.  18  U.  S.  gauge  steel,  and  used  in  connection  with  lighting  systems, 
approved  by  the  Fire  Marshal,  may  be  placed  above  ground  and  attached  to  the 
outside  walls  of  buildings. 

694.  Oil  Tanks  Used  in  Connection  With  Engines,  Gas  Producers,  Etc.)  (a) 
Tanks  for  storing  oils  or  liquids  which  will  stand  a  test  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
degrees  Fahrenheit,  according  to  the  method  of  John  Tagliabue,  used  in  connection 
with  engines,  gas  producers,  furnaces,  ovens  or  other  oil  burning  equipments,  must 
be  constructed  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Section  693,  and,  if  installed 
inside  of  buildings,  must  be  limited  to  an  aggregate  capacity  of  1,000  gallons,  and 
must  be  placed  beneath  the  lowest  floor  in  the  manner  specified  for  oils  and  fluids 
mentioned  in  Section  692;  provided,  however,  that  an  auxiliary  tank  of  a  capacity 
not  exceeding  ten  gallons  may  be  placed  above  the  floor. 

(b)  Nothing  in  the  provisions  of  this  Article  shall  be  construed  as  repealing 
any  of  the  provisions  of  an  ordinance  for  the  storage  of  gasoline  in  the  alleys  of 
the  city,  passed  by  the  City  Council  on  the  llth  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1907,  pages 
3456  to  3461,  inclusive,  of  the  Council  Proceedings  of  said  date. 


174  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

ARTICLE    XXIII. 

BILLBOARDS,    SIGNBOARDS,    SIGNS,    AND    FENCES. 

695.  Billboards  and  Signboards  on  Buildings — Construction — Height.)     No  bill- 
board or  signboard  shall  be  erected  or  placed  upon  or  above  the  roof  of  any  building 
or  structure  within  the  limits  of  the  City  of  Chicago;  and  it  shall  be  unlawful  for 
any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  attach  any  billboard  or  signboard  to  the  front, 
sides,  or  rear  walls  of  any  building,  unless  the  same  shall  be  placed  flat  against  the 
surface  of  the  building  and  safely  and  securely  anchored  or  fastened  thereto  in  a 
manner  satisfactory  to  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

696.  Size  and  Construction  of  Billboards  and  Signboards  Erected  Within  Fire 
.Limits  Otherwise  Than  on  Buildings.)     The  face  of  billboards  or  signboards  erected 

within  the  fire  limits  as  now  defined  or  as  they  may  hereafter  be  defined  by  ordi- 
nances of  the  City  of  Chicago,  other  than  signboards  and  billboards  referred  to  in 
Section  698  hereof,  shall  not  exceed  twelve  feet  in  height,  and  the  same  shall  be 
constructed  of  galvanized  iron  or  some  other  equally  incombustible  material,  except 
that  the  stringers,  uprights  and  braces  thereof  may  be  of  wood.  All  such  billboards 
or  signboards  shall  be  securely  anchored  or  fastened  so  as  to  be  safe  and  substantial. 

697.  Height    and    Distance    From    the    Ground    of    Billboards    and    Sign- 
boards Erected  Within  the  Fire  Limits.)      It  shall  be  unlawful   for  any  person, 
firm  or  corporation  to  construct  or  erect  any  billboard  or  signboard,  except  those 
specified  in  Section  698  hereof,  within  the  fire  limits  of  the  City  of  Chicago  at  a 
greater  height  than  fifteen  feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the  adjoining  street. 
Where  the  grade  of  the  adjoining  street  or  streets  has  not  been  established,  no  bill- 
board or  signboard  shall  be  constructed!  or  erected  at  a  greater  height  than  fifteen 
feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the  ground  upon  which  such  billboard  or  signboard 
is  erected.     The  face  of  every  billboard  or  signboard  within  the  fire  limits  shall  be 
of  incombustible  material,  but  the  supports  and  framework  of  the  same  shall  be  of 
wood.     The  base  of  the  billboard  or  signboard  shall,  in  all  cases,  be  at  least  three 
feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the  adjoining  street.     If,  however,  the  level  of 
the  ground  where  the  billboard  or  signboard  is  to  be  erected  is  above  the  level  of 
the  street,  then  the  bottom  of  the  face  of  the  billboard  or  signboard  must  be  at  least 
three  feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the  ground  at  the  point  where  the  board  is 
to  be  erected.     Every  said  billboard  or  signboard  must  be  constructed  and  located 
in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Article  and  shall  be  subject  to  the  ap- 
proval of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

698.  Wooden   Billboards    or    Signboards  —  Construction  —  Size  —  Exceptions.) 
Billboards  or  signboards  not  exceeding  twelve  square  feet  in  area  may  be  built  of 
wood  or  other  combustible  material,  and  such  billboards  or  signboards  shall  be  ex- 
empt from  the  provisions  of  this  Article,  except  that  they  shall  be  safely  and  se- 
curely anchored  or  fastened   and   shall  be   so   constructed,   anchored  and   fastened 
that  they  will  withstand  the  wind  pressure  specified  in  Section  703  of  this  Article. 
It   shall  be  unlawful  to  erect   any   such   billboard   or   signboard   exceeding  twelve 
square  feet  in  area  before  a  permit  therefor  has  been  procured  from  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings,  the  application  for  which  must  include  the  plans  and  speci- 
fications of  such  board  and  its  supports  and  fastenings.     No  such  board  or  boards 
shall  be  more  than  twelve  feet  high. 

699.  Billboards  and  Signboards  Erected  Outside  the  Fire  Limits— Construc- 
tion— Size.)     It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  construct, 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  175 

erect  or  locate  any  billboard  or  signboard,  except  those  specified  in  Section  698 
hereof  outside  the  fire  limits  of  Chicago  at  a  greater  height  than  fifteen  feet  six 
inches  above  the  level  of  the  adjoining  street,  Where  the  grade  of  the  adjoining 
street  has  not  been  established,  no  billboard  or  signboard  shall  be  constructed  or 
erected  at  a  greater  height  than  fifteen  feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the  ground 
upon  which  such  billboard  or  signboard  is  erected.  The  base  of  the  billboard  or 
signboard  shall,  in  all  cases,  be  at  least  three  feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the 
adjoining  street.  If,  however,  the  level  of  the  ground  where  the  billboard  is  to  be 
erected  is  above  the  level  of  the  street,  then  the  bottom  of  the  face  of  the  billboard 
or  signboard  must  be  at  least  three  feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the  ground 
at  the  point  where  the  board  is  to  be  erected.  The  braces,  supports  and  face  of 
the  billboard  or  signboard  outside  the  fire  limits  may  be  of  wood,  unless  the  bill- 
board or  signboard  shall  be  erected  or  located  so  that  any  part  of  the  face  of  said 
board  is  nearer  than  ten  feet  to  any  building  or  structure  in  which  case  the  face  of 
the  eame  shall  be  constructed  with  incombustible  material.  Every  such  billboard 
or  signboard  shall  be  safely  and  securely  constructed,  anchored,  fastened  and  located 
in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Article  and  shall  be  subject  to  the  ap- 
proval of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings. 

700.  Provisions   of  This   Article  Shall  Apply   to   Other  Similar  Structures.) 
The  provisions  of  this  Article  shall  apply  to  other  similar  structures  of  like  size 
and  construction  without  regard  to  their  use  whether  erected  on  or  near  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground  or  anchored  to,  or  fastened  to  any  building  or  structure. 

701.  No  Billboard  or  Signboard  Shall  be  Erected  Without  Permit.)     No  bill- 
board or  signboard  or  other  similar  structure  such  as  is  described  in  this  Article 
shall  be  erected  or  maintained  within  the  city  unless  a  permit  shall  first  have  been 
secured  by  the  person,  firm  or  corporation  desiring  to  erect  or  maintain  such  bill- 
board or  signboard  from  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  whom  application  for 
such  permit  shall   be  made;    and  such   application   shall   be   accompanied  by  such 
plans  and  specifications  of  the  proposed  billboard  or  signboard  and  location  of  same 
as  are  necessary  to  fully  advise  and  acquaint  the  said  Commissioner  with  the  con- 
struction of  such  proposed  billboard  or  signboard.     If  the  plans  and  specifications 
accompanying  such   application  shall  be  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this 
Article,  said  Commissioner  shall  thereupon  issue  a  permit  for  the  erection  of  such 
billboard  or  signboard  upon  the  payment  by  the  applicant  of  a  fee  as  hereinafter 
fixed. 

702.  Alteration    and    Repair    of   Billboards    and    Signboards.)       No     material 
alteration  of  any  billboard  or  signboard  nor  removal  from  one  location  to  another 
shall  be  made  except  upon  a  written  permit  issued  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
authorizing  such  alteration  or  removal;  and  such  permit  shall  be  issued  upon  appli- 
cation in  writing  made  to  such  Commissioner  by  the  owner  of  such  billboard  or 
signboard  or  by  the  person  in  charge,  possession  or  control  thereof,  accompanied 
by  a  plan  of  the  proposed  alterations  or  repairs  to  be  made  and  a  written  state- 
ment covering  the  proposed  removal  from  one  location  to  another  and  its  reconstruc- 
tion in  the  new  location,  which  said  alteration  and  repairs  or  removal  shall  be 
made  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Article  and  the  ordinances  of  the 
City  of  Chicago.     Where  such  plans,  specifications  and  location  are  in  compliance 
with  the  requirements  of  this  Article  and  are  satisfactory  to  and  approved  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings,  such  Commissioner  shall  issue  a  permit  upon  the  pay- 
ment of  a  fee  therefor  as  hereinafter  fixed;  but  such  alteration  shall  not  be  con- 


176  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

strued  to  apply  to  the  changing  of  any  advertising  matter  of  any  billboard  or  sign- 
board, nor  the  refacing  of  the  framework  supporting  same. 

703.  Wind   Pressure — Strength — Billboards    Now   Existing   or   Hereafter   Con- 
structed.)   All  billboards  and  signboards  now  in  existence,  or  hereafter  to  be  con- 
structed, erected  or  maintained,  shall  be  made,  constructed,  erected  and  maintained 
of  sufficient  strength  to  withstand  a  wind  pressure  of  twenty-five  pounds  per  square 
foot  of  surface  without  stressing  the  material  beyond  the  safe  limit  of  stress  given 
elsewhere  in   this  Chapter. 

704.  Change  in  Existing  Billboards   and  Signboards.)      No  surface  billboard 
or  signboard  constructed  or  erected  prior  to  the  passage  of  this  ordinance  shall  be 
maintained  after  six  months  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  ordinance  where  the 
height  of  such  billboard  or  signboard  exceeds  seventeen  feet,  nor  shall  such  billboard 
or  signboard  be  maintained  after  such  date,  unless  there  is  a  clear  space  of  at  least 
three  feet  six  inches  above  the  level  of  the  adjoining  street.    If,  however,  the  level 
of  the  ground  where  the  billboard  or  signboard  is  erected  or  maintained  is  above 
the  level  of  the  street  then  there  must  be  a  clear  space  of  at  least  three  feet  be- 
tween the  bottom  or  face  of  the  billboard  or  signboard  and  the  level  of  the  ground 
at  the  point  where  the  billboard  or  signboard  is  erected  or  maintained. 

705.  Duty  of  Commissioner — Owner's  Name  to  Be  Placed  on  Top  of  Billboard 
or  Signboard — Annual  Inspection.)    It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Buildings  to  inspect  all  plans  and  specifications  submitted  in  connection  with  the 
erection  or  construction  or  the  alteration  or  repair  of  any  billboard  or  signboard 
and  to  approve  same  if  the  method  of  construction  and  provisions  made  for  fasten- 
ing, securing,  anchoring  and  maintaining  such  billboards  or  signboards  are  such  as 
will  serve  to  protect  the  public  and  to  render  such  billboards  safe  and  substantial. 
It  is  further  made  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  exercise  super- 
vision over  all  billboards  and  signboards  erected  or  being  maintained  under  the  pro- 
visions of  this  Article;  and  to  cause  inspection  by  inspectors  in  his  department  of 
all  such  billboards  and  signboards  to  be  made  once  each  year  and  oftener  where  the 
condition  of  such  boards   so  require;   and  whenever  it  shall  appear  to  said  Com- 
missioner that  any  such  billboard  or  signboard  has  been  erected  in  violation  of  this 
ordinance  or  is  in  an  unsafe  condition  or  has  become  unstable  or  insecure  or  is  in 
such  a  condition  as  to  be  a  menace  to  the  safety  or  health  of  the  public,  he  shall 
thereupon  issue  or  cause  to  be  issued  a  notice  in  writing  to  the  owner  of  such  bill- 
board or  signboard  or  person  in  charge,  possession  or  control  thereof,  if  the  where- 
abouts of  such  person  is  known,  informing  such  person,  firm  or  corporation  of  the 
violation  of  this  ordinance  and  the  dangerous  condition  of  such  billboard  or  sign- 
board and  directing  him  to  make  such  alterations  or  repairs  thereto^  or  to  do  such 
acts  or  things,  as  are  necessary  or  advisable  to  place  such  billboard  or  signboard  in 
a  safe,  substantial  and  secure  condition  and  to  make  the  same  comply  with  the 
requirements  of  this  ordinance  within  such  reasonable  time  as  may  be  stated  in  said 
notice.     If  the  owner  or  person  in  charge,  possession  or  control  of  any  billboard 
or  signboard  when  so  notified  shall   refuse,   fail,  or   neglect   to   comply   with  and 
conform  to  the  requirements  of  such  notice,  said  Commissioner  shall,  upon  the  ex- 
piration of  the  time  therein  mentioned,  alter,  change,  tear  down  or  cause  to  be  torn 
down  such  part  of  such  billboard  or  signboard  as  is  constructed  and  maintained 
in  violation  of  this  ordinance,  and  shall  charge  the  expense  to  the  owner  or  person 
in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  such  billboard  or  signboard  which  shall  be  recov- 
ered from  them  by  appropriate  legal  proceedings.    If  the  owner  of  such  billboard  or 
signboard  or  the  person  in  charge,  [possession  or  control  thereof  cannot  be  found, 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  177 

or  his  or  their  whereabouts  cannot  be  ascertained,  the  Commissioner  shall  attach  or 
cause  to  be  attached  to  said  billboard  or  signboard,  a  notice  of  the  same  import  as 
that  required  to  be  sent  to  the  owner  or  person  in  charge,  possession  or  control 
thereof,  where  the  owner  is  known;  and  if  such  billboard  or  signboard  shall  not 
nave  been  made  to  conform  to  this  ordinance  and  be  placed  in  a  secure,  safe  and 
substantial  condition,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  such  notice,  within 
thirty  days  after  such  notice  shall  have  been  attached  to  -such  billboard  or  sign- 
board, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  thereupon  cause 
such  billboard  or  signboard  or  such  portion  thereof  as  is  constructed  and  main- 
tained in  violation  of  this  ordinance  to  be  torn  down;  provided  that  nothing  herein 
contained  shall  prevent  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  from  adopting  such  pre- 
cautionary measures  as  may  be  necessary  or  advisable  in  case  of  imminent  danger 
in  order  to  place  such  billboard  or  signboard  in  a  safe  condition,  the  expense  of 
which  shall  be  charged  to  and  recovered  from  the  owner  of  such  billboard  or  sign- 
board or  person  in  charge,  possession  or  control  thereof  in  any  appropriate  pro- 
ceedings therefor.  No  permit  shall  be  issued  to  any  applicant  for  permission  to 
erect  a  billboard  or  signboard  unless  such  applicant  shall  agree  to  place  and  main- 
tain on  the  top  of  such  billboard  or  signboard  the  name  of  the  person  or  corpora- 
tion owning  same  or  who  is  in  charge,  possession  or  control  thereof.  It  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  require  that  the  name  of  the  person 
or  corporation  owning  or  in  possession,  charge  or  control  of  such  billboard  or  sign- 
board is  placed  upon  such  billboard  or  signboard  forthwith  upon  the  erection  there- 
of and  is  kept  thereon  at  all  times  such  billboard  or  signboard  is  maintained;  and 
in  case  the  owner  of  such  billboard  or  signboard  or  the  person  in  charge,  possession 
or  control  thereof  shall  fail  or  refuse  to  place  and  maintain  such  name  on  the  same, 
they  shall  be  subject  to  the  penalty  hereinafter  provided  for.  Every  person,  firm 
or  corporation  engaged  in  the  business  of  erecting  billboards  or  signboards  for 
the  purpose  of  display  advertising  shall  file  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings 
within  ninety  days  after  the  passage  of  this  ordinance  a  full  and  complete  report 
of  the  location  and  size  of  all  existing  billboards  or  signboards. 

*70G.  Fees  for  Permits  and  Annual  Inspection — Indemnifying  Bond.)  (a)  The 
fee  to  be  charged  for  permits  issued  for  the  erection  or  construction  of  billboards 
or  signboards  or  for  the  alteration  thereof  shall  be  two  dollars  for  each  twenty-five 
lineal  feet  of  billboard  or  signboard  erected  or  altered.  An  annual  inspection  fee 
shall  be  charged  every  person,  firm  or  corporation  as  owner,  or  in  possession,  charge 
or  control  of  any  billboard  or  signboard  now  in  existence  or  hereafter  to  be  erected, 
which  shall  be  one  dollar  for  each  twenty-five  lineal  feet  of  billboard  or  signboard 
or  fractional  part  thereof. 

(b)  Every  person,  firm  or  corporation  engaged  in  the  business  of  constructing 
and  erecting  billboards  or  signboards  shall  file  with  the  City  Clerk  a  penal  bond, 
with  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  in  the  sum  of 
twenty-five  thousand  ($25,000.00)  dollars,  conditioned  that  such  person,  firm  or 
corporation  shall  faithfully  comply  with  all  the  provisions  and  requirements  of  this 
ordinance  with  respect  to  the  construction,  alteration,  location  and  safety  of  bill- 
boards or  signboards  and  for  the  payment  of  the  inspection  fee  required  by  said 
ordinance;  and  conditioned,  further,  to  indemnify,  save  and  keep  harmless  said  City 
of  Chicago  and  its  officials  from  any  and  all  claims,  damages,  liabilities,  losses, 

*As  amended  February  6,  1913.  See  page  3699,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
tlie  Citv  Council. 


178  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

actions,  suits  or  judgments  which  may  be  presented,  sustained,  brought  or  secured 
against  the  City  of  Chicago  or  any  of  its  officials  on  account  of  the  construction, 
maintenance,  alteration,  or  removal  of  any  of  said  billboards  or  signboards,  or  by 
reason  of  any  accidents  caused  by  or  resulting  therefrom. 

707.  Frontage  Consents  Required.)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or 
corporation  to  erect  or  construct  any  billboard  or  signboard  in  any  block  on  any 
public  street  in  which  one  half  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the  street  are 
used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes  without  first  obtaining  the  consent  in  writing 
of  the  owners  or  duly  authorized  agents  of  said  owners  owning  a  majority  of  the 
frontage  of  the  property  on  both  sides  of  the  street  in  the  block  in  which  such  bill- 
board or  signboard  is  to  be  erected,  constructed  or  located.     Such  written  consents 
shall  be  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  before  a  permit  shall  be  issued  for 
the  erection,  construction  or  location  of  such  billboard  or  signboard. 

708.  Penalty.)     Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  owning,  operating,  maintain- 
ing or  in  charge,  possession  or  control  of  any  billboard  or  signboard  within  the 
city,  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  Article,  or 
who  erects,  constructs  or  maintains  any  billboard  or  signboard  that  does  not  com- 
ply with  the  provisions  of  this  Article  shall  be  fined  not  less  than  twenty-five 
(§25.00)    dollars   nor  more   than   two   hundred    ($200.00)    dollars   for  each   offense; 
and  each  day  on  which  any  such  person  shall  permit  or  allow  any  billboard  or  sign- 
board owned,  operated,  maintained  or  controlled  by  him  to  be  erected,  constructed 
or  maintained  in  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  Article  shall  constitute 
a  separate  and  distinct  offense. 

*709.  Fences — Walls — Height  of — Wind  Resistance.)  No  wooden  fence  shall 
be  constructed  of  greater  height  than  eight  feet  above  the  sidewalk  grade  or  eight 
feet  above  the  surface  of  the  ground  wrhere  no  grade  is  established.  No  fence  of 
any  other  material  shall  be  constructed  on  a  lot  alongside  a  street  or  alley  or  with- 
in eight  feet  of  such  street  or  alley  and  parallel  thereto  of  greater  height  than 
eight  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  street  or  alley  where  a  grade  is  established  or 
eight  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  street  or  alley  where  no  grade  is  established. 
No  single  or  isolated  wall  of  any  material  whatever,  which  forms  no  part  of  a 
luilding  or  structure  that  may  be  lawfully  erected,  shall  be  constructed  upon  any 
portion  of  a  lot  where  the  distance  from  such  wall  to  the  lot  line  is,  less  than  the 
height  of  the  wall,  unless  such  isolated  wall  shall  have  lateral  supports  on  at  least 
one  side  of  same  with  braces  extending  to  the  top  of  the  wall  and  is  so  constructed 
that  it  shall  be  capable  of  resisting  a  horizontal  wind  pressure  on  every  part  of 
same  twice  as  great  as  buildings  under  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  must  be  de- 
signed to  resist. 

In  all  cases  where  a  fence  or  wall  has  been  or  shall  hereafter  be  erected  con- 
trary to  the  provisions  of  this  section,  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  forth- 
with notify  the  owner  or  agent  of  the  land  on  which  same  is  located,  or  the  con- 
tractor engaged  in  erecting  same,  and  shall  specify  briefly  in  such  notice  in  what 
manner  such  fence  or  wall  violates  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance,  and  the  said 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  require  the  person  so  notified  to  forthwith  make 
such  fence  or  wall  conform  to  and  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance, 
specifying  in  such  notice  the  time  within  which  such  work  shall  be  done. 


*As  amended  February  24,  1913.     See  page  3889.  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of 
the  Citv  Council. 


Uril. Dl  NO    ORDINANCES.  \~(\ 

If  at  the  expiration  of  the  time  set  forth  in  the  notice  provided  for  in  this 
section,  the  person  so  notified  shall  have  refused,  neglected  or  failed  to  comply  with 
the  request  made  in  such  notice  and  shall  not  have  torn  down  or  changed  the  said 
fence  or  wall  so  as  to  conform  to  and  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance, 
the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  have  authority  and  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  pro- 
ceed forthwith  to  tear  down,  or  cause  to  be  torn  down,  such  fence  or  wall  or  so 
much  thereof  as  is  beir^  -maintained  or  shall  have  been  erected  and  constructed  in 
violation  of  the  provisions  of  this  section,  and  the  cost  of  such  tearing  down  shall 
be  charged  to  and  recovered  from  the  owner  of  such  fence  or  wall  or  from  the  per- 
son for  whom  such  fence  or  wall  has  been  or  is  being  erected. 

710.  Illuminated  and  Other  Roof  Signs  of  Steel  Skeleton  Construction— Defini- 
tion—General  Requirements— Fees.)  (a)  Illuminated  and  other  roof  signs  regulated 
by  this  section  shall  be  defined  as  signs  constructed,  erected  and  maintained  upon  or 
over  the  roof  of  any  building,  which  have  all  or  any  part  of  its  letters  of  which 
said  signs  may  be  constructed  either  in  an  outline  of  incandescent  lamps  or  which 
have  painted,  flush  or  raised  letters  where  the  face  of  the  sign  presents  a  surface 
to  be  affected  by  wind  pressure  not  in  excess  of  the  requirements  hereinafter  con- 
tained; or  signs  having  a  border  of  incandescent  lights  attached  thereto  and  re- 
flecting light  thereon;  or  transparent  glass  signs  where  they  are  lighted  by  elec- 
tricity or  other  illuminant.  Every  such  sign  as  hereinabove  described  shall  be  con- 
structed with  steel  skeleton  construction  so  as  to  present  a  surface  to  be  affected 
by  wind  pressure  which  shall  not  exceed  fifty  per  cent,  of  the  face  of  the  sign.  No 
illuminated  roof  sign  shall  be  erected  or  maintained  upon  or  over  the  roof  of  any 
building  unless  the  framework  thereof  shall  be  entirely  of  metal  or  some  other 
equally  incombustible  material,  and  no  material,  except  such  material  as  is  used  for 
insulating  wires  and  conductors,  which  is  less  combustible  than  metal,  shalt  be  used 
m,  on  or  about,  or  comprise  a  part  of  any  illuminated  roof  sign,  except  that  the 
material  to  which  the  framework  of  any  such  sign  shall  be  anchored,  may  be  sub- 
stantial beams  anchored  or  securely  fastened  to  the  roof  or  walls  of  the  buildings 
upon  or  over  which  a.ny  such  sign  is  erected. 

(b)  The  distance  between  the  roof  of  said  building  or  structure  and  the  lower 
edge  of  such  sign  shall  not  be  less  than  five  (5)  feet.  The  height  of  any  such  sign 
from  the  roof  of  the  building  or  structure  to  which  the  same  is  anchored  or  at- 
tached shall  not  exceed  sixty  (GO)  feet.  No  such  sign,  hereafter  erected,  shall  be 
constructed  closer  than  six  (6)  feet  from  the  edge  of  the  roof  of  the  building  or 
structure  upon  which  same  is  erected.  No  such  illuminated  roof  sign  shall  be  con- 
structed on  any  building  or  structure  which  is  over  eight  stories  in  height.  Any 
illuminated  roof  sign,  less  than  twelve  (12)  feet  in  height,  shall  be  exempt  from 
the  provisions  of  this  section  and  shall  be  held  to  be  governed  by  the  ordinances 
of  the  City  of  Chicago  relating  to  billboards  and  signboards.  No  illuminated  roof 
sign,  such  as  is  described  in  this  section,  shall  be  constructed,  erected,  maintained 
or  put  in  place  until  the  person,  firm  or  corporation  desiring  to  construct,  erect, 
maintain  or  put  in  place  such  sign  shall  have  made  .application  in  writing  to  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  for  permission  so  to  do,  submitting  with  such  application 
plans  and  specifications  showing  the  size,  nature  and  construction  of  the  sign  pro- 
posed to  be  erected,  and  shall  present  to  the  City  Electrician  plans  showing  the 
insulation,  location  and  construction  of  the  electrical  part  oft  such  sign.  If  the 
Commissioner  of  Buildings  shall  be  of  the  opinion  that  such  sign,  if  erected,  con- 
structed and  maintained  in  accordance  with  the  plans  and  specifications  so  sub- 
mitted, shall  be  safe  and  secure,  he  shall  approve  the  application  so  submitted,  pro- 


180  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

viding  the  plans  bear  the  approval  of  the  City  Electrician,  and  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Buildings  shall  note  his  approval  upon  such  plans  and  specifications  and 
keep  a  copy  thereof  at  all  times  on  file  in  his  office.  All  signs  shall  be  constructed, 
erected  and  maintained  of  sufficient  strength  to  withstand  a  wind  pressure  of 
not  less  than  thirty  pounds  per  square  foot  of  surface  without  stressng  the  ma- 
terial beyond  the  safe  limits  of  stress  given  elsewhere  in  this  Chapter.  It  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  to  cause  hjs  building  inspector  or 
inspectors  to  make  an  inspection  annually  of  each  illuminated  roof  sign  erected 
or  constructed  or  being  maintained  under  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance  for  the 
purpose  of  ascertaining  whether  such  sign  is  safely  and  securely  constructed  and 
so  anchored  and  fastened  to  the  building  or  structure;  provided,  however,  that  the 
provisions  of  this  section  shall  not  apply  to  the  erection,  construction  and  mainte- 
nance of  signboards  and  billboards  as  regulated  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of 
Chicago. 

(c)  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  desiring  to  erect  or  maintain  an  illumin- 
ated roof  sign,  as  described  in  this  ordinance,  shall  pay  to  the  city,  to  cover  the 
cost  of  the  inspection  and  approval  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings1  of  the  plans 
and  specifications  of  such  sign,  when  erected,  a  fee  of  fifty  dollars  ($50.00)  for  the 
first  five  hundred  (500)  square  feet  of  superficial  area  of  such  sign  or  fractional  part 
thereof,  and  for  each  additional  square  foot  two  cents  (2c).  For  each  annual  inspec- 
tion by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  subsequent  to  the  first  inspection  there  shall 
be  paid  a  fee  of  fifty  dollars  ($50.00)  for  each  illuminated  roof  sign.  In  addition  to 
tbe  fees  herein  required  to  be  paid  for  inspection  by  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings, 
there  shall  be  paid  by  the  owner  or  person  having  charge  or  control  of  any  illu- 
minated roof  sign,  as  herein  described,  an  annual  inspection  fee  to  cover  the  cost 
of  such  inspection  which  shall  be  made  by  the  City  Electrician,  and  such  fee  shall 
be  at  the  rate  provided  by  the  ordinances  of  Chicago. 

(d)  Every  illuminated  roof  sign  erected,  constructed  or  maintained  under  the 
provisions  of  this  ordinance  shall  have  the  name  of  the  owner  thereof  placed  thereon 
in  a  legible  and  conspicuous  manner.     No  person,  firm  or  corporation  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  erect  or  maintain  an  illuminated  roof  sign  unless  he  shall  execute  and  file 
with  the  City  Clerk  of  Chicago,  with  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Buildings,  a  bond  to  the  City  of  Chicago  in  the  penal  sum  of  fifteen  thousand 
dollars    ($15,000),  conditioned  to  indemnify,  save  and  keep  harmless  the  City  of 
Chicago,  and  its  officers  and  agents,  from  any  damage  which  it,  the  said  city,  or 
any  of  said  officers,  may  suffer,  or  from  any  costs,  liability  or  expense  of  any  kind 
whatsoever  which  it,  the  said  city,  or  any  of  its  officers,  may  be  put  to  or  which 
may  be  recovered  againt  the  said  city,  or  any  of  its  officers,  from  or  by  reason  of 
the  construction,  erection  and  maintenance  of  such  sign,  and  conditioned  further  to 
faithfully  observe  and  perform  all  the  provisions  and  conditions  of  this  ordinance 
and  of  any  ordinance  now  in  force  or  which  may  hereafter  be  passed  by  the  City 
Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago,  relating  to  or  governing  the  erection,  maintenance, 
use  or  inspection  of  illuminated  roof  signs. 

(e)  The  permission  and  authority  granted  by  this  ordinance  shall  cease  at  anv 
time  hereafter  at  the  discretion  of  the  Mayor.     In  case  of  the  termination  of  the 
privileges  herein  granted  by  the  exercise  of  the  Mayor's  discretion  as  aforesaid,  all 
such  electrical  signs  erected  by  virtue  of  the  authority  conferred  by  this  ordinance, 
shall  be  removed  at  the  expense  of  the  owner  or  owners  of  the  building  or  the  per- 
son, firm,  corporation  or  individual  who  are  then  maintaining  same,  without 
cost  or  expense  of  any  kind  whatsoever  to  the  City  of  Chicago,  provided  that  ii 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  181 

the  event  of  the  failure,  neglect  or  refusal  on  the  part  of  the  owner  of  the  building 
or  structure  upon  which  said  illuminated  electric  sign  is  constructed  or  the  per- 
son, firm,  corporation  or  individual  operating  and  maintaining  said  electric  sign 
to  remove  said  electric  sign  upon  the  revocation  of  the  permit  by  the  Mayor  as 
herein  provided,  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  may  proceed  to  remove  same  and 
charge  the  expense  thereof  to  the  owner  of  the  building  or  structure  upon  which 
said  illuminated  electric  sign  is  constructed  or  to  the  person,  firm,  corporation  or 
individual  operating  or  maintaining  same. 

(f)  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  who  shall  erect,  construct  or  maintain  an 
illuminated  roof  sign  in  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  be 
fined  not  less  than  fifty  dollars  ($50.00)  nor  more  than  two  hundred  dollars 
($200.00)  for  each  offense. 


ARTICLE  XXIV. 

FRONTAGE     CONSENTS. 

711.  Definition  of  Word  "Block"  as  Used  in  This  Chapter.)  Whenever  a 
provision  is  made  in  this  Chapter  that  frontage  consents  shall  be  obtained  for 
the  erection,  construction,  alteration,  enlargement  or  maintenance  of  any  building 
or  structure  in  any  block,  the  word  "block,"  so  used,  shall  not  be  held  to  mean  a 
square,  but  shall  be  held  to  embrace  only  that  part  of  a  street  bounding  the 
square  which  lies  between  the  two  nearest  intersecting  streets,  one  on  either  side 
of  the  point  at  which  such  building  or  structure  is  to  be  erected,  constructed,  al- 
tered, enlarged  or  maintained,  unless  it  shall  be  otherwise  specifically  provided. 

*712.  Frontage  Consents — Gas  Reservoir — Packing  House — Rendering  Plant — 
Soap  Factory — Tannery — Blacksmith  Shop— Foundry — Machine  Shop— Factory,  Etc. 
— Laundry,  Etc. — Livery  Stable — Medical  Dispensary — Second-hand  Store  or  Yard — 
Smoke  House. )  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  locate, 
build,  construct  or  maintain  on  any  lot  fronting  on  any  street  or  alley  in  the  city 
in  any  block  in  which  one-half  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the  street  are  used 
exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  or  within  fifty  feet  of  any  such  street,  any 
building  or  place  used  for  a  gas  reservoir,  packing  house,  rendering  plant,  soap  fac- 
tory, tannery,  blacksmith  shop,  foundry,  machine  shop,  factory  combined  with  a 
foundry,  laundry  to  tie  run  by  machinery,  livery  stable,  medical  dispensary,  or 
stcond-hand  store  or  yard,  smoke  house  or  place  where  fish  and  meats  are  smoked 
or  cured,  without  the  written  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  property  owners  accord- 
ing to  frontage  on  both  sides  of  such  street  or  alley.  Such  written  consent  shall  be 
cttained  and  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  before  a  permit  is  issued  for 
the  construction  or  alteration  of  any  building  or  place  for  any  of  the  above  pur- 
poses; provided,  that  in  determining  whether  one-half  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides 
of  the  street  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes  any  building  fronting  upon 
another  street,  and  located  upon  a  corner  lot,  shall  not  be  considered. 

712a.  Frontage  Consents— For  What  Required.)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any 
person,  firm  or  corporation  to  locate,  build  or  construct  any  store  for  the  sale  at 

*As  amended  July  21,  1913.  See  page  1596,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council.  [This  Section  was  previously  amended  March  11,  1912,  and  May  26, 
1913.  See  pages  3171  and  659,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council  for 
the  respective  dates  given.] 


182  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

retail  of  goods,  wares  and  merchandise,  on  any  street  in  any  block  in  which  all  the 
buildings  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  without  first  securing  and 
filing  with  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings  the  written  consent  of  a  majority  of  the 
property  owners  according  to  frontage  on  both  sides  of  the  street  in  the  block  in 
which  the  building  to  be  thus  used  is  located;  provided,  in  determining  whether  all 
the  buildings  in  the  said  block  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  any 
building  fronting  upon  another  street  and  located  upon  a  corner  lot  shall  not  be 
considered. 

713.  Reformatories — Sheltering  Institutions.)  (a)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for 
any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  build,  construct,  maintain,  conduct  or  manage  any 
reformatory,  rescue  or  sheltering  institution  in  any  block  or  square  in  which  one- 
half  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the  street  or  streets  on  which  the  proposed 
reformatory,  rescue  or  sheltering  institution  may  front,  are  used  exclusively  for 
residence  purposes  without  the  written  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  property 
owners,  -according  to  frontage  on  both  sides  of  the  streets  bounding  such  block. 
Such  written  consent  shall  be  obtained  and  filed  with  the  Commissioner  of  Build- 
ings before  a  permit  is  issued  for  the  construction,  alteration,  or  maintenance  of 
such  building. 

(b)  Provided,  that  in  determining  whether  one-half  of  the  buildings  on  both 
sides  of  the  street  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  any  building  fronting 
upon  another  street  and  located  upon  a  corner  lot  shall  not  be  considered. 

*714.  Permit  for  Moving  Frame  Buildings — Requirements — Written  Consents 
Must  Be  Obtained — Affidavits  Made — Space  Occupied  on  Lot.)  (a)  Permits  to 
move  frame  or  other  buildings  shall  be  granted  if  any  such  frame  or  other  building 
has  not  been  damaged  to  an  extent  greater  than  fifty  per  cent  of  its  value  by  fire, 
decay  or  otherwise.  Any  person  desiring  to  remove  a  frame  or  other  building  shall 
first  obtain  the  written  consent  to  such  removal  from  persons  owning  a  majority 
of  the  frontage  of  the  lots  on  both  sides  of  the  street  in  the  block  to  which  the 
building  is  to  be  removed;  provided,  however,  that  no  building  used,  or  designed  to 
be  used,  for  store,  mercantile,  industrial  or  manufacturing  purposes  shall  be  re- 
moved to  any  block  in  which  more  than  a  majority  of  all  the  property  according 
to.  frontage  on  both  sides  of  the  street  is  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes 
without  the  written  consent  of  the  owners  of  two-thirds  of  all  the  property  ac- 
cording to  frontage  on  both  sides  of  the  street  in  such  block  having  been  first  ob- 
tained. 

(b)  Provided,  however,  that  no  permit  shall  be  issued  for  the  removal  of  any 
frame  building  from  any  point  outside  the  fire  limits  to  any  point  within  the  fire 
limits  when  such  building  is  of  such  a  character  that  it  would  not  be  lawful  to  build 
it  within  the  fire  limits,  nor  for  the  removal  of  any  frame  building  from  any  point 
within  the  fire  limits  to  any  other  point  within  the  fire  limits,  unless  the  person, 
firm  or  corporation  desiring  to  remove  the  same  shall  first  obtain  the  written  con- 
sent for  such  removal  from  the  persons  owning  two-thirds  of  the  frontage  of  the 
lots  on  both  sides  of  the  street  in  the  block  to  which  the  building  is  to  be  moved. 
The  space  to  be  occupied  on  any  lot  used  for  residence  or  tenement  house  purposes 

comply  with  the  provisions  of  Section  440  of  this  Chapter. 

(c)  No  frontage  consent  shall  be  required  of  any  person,  firm  or  corporation 


*As  amended  May  12.  1913.     See  page  422,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  183 

for  removing  a  building  upon  his  own  premises  and  not  going  upon  the  premises  of 
any  other  person,  or  upon  any  street,  alley  or  other  public  place,  in  making  such 
removal. 

715.  Amusements — Frontage   Consents   Required.)     It   shall  be   unlawful   for 
ar;y  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  construct  or  erect  any  building  designed  or  in- 
tended to  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  presenting  or  carrying  on  therein  any  enter- 
tainment for  which  a  license  is  required  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago 
without  first  obtaining  the  written  consent  of  the  property  owners  as  required  by 
the  City  ordinances. 

716.  Garages — Frontage   Consents  Required.)     [Repealed  by  ordinance  passed 
July  17,  1911,  page  962,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council.     See  page 
188,  post.'] 

717.  Storage  of  Shavings  and  Sawdust  in  Buildings  Used  for  Residence  Pur- 
poses.)    No  person,  firm  or  corporation  shall  keep,  pile,  store  or  accumulate  loose 
shavings,  excelsior,  sawdust  or  other  similar  inflammable  materials  in  any  quantity, 
nor  shall  any  such  materials     in  bales  be  stored  in  any  quantity  exceeding  2,000 
pounds  in  any  building  used  wholly  or  in  part  for  residence  purposes. 

*l\iy2.  Frontage  Consents — Business  of  Selling  Provisions,  Etc.,  in  Residence 
Districts.)  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  carry  on 
the  business  of  selling  meats,  poultry,  fish,  butter,  cheese,  lard,  vegetables  or  any 
other  provisions  from  any  place  of  business  located  in  any  block  in  which  all  the 
buildings  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes,  without  first  securing  and 
filing  with  the  City  Collector  of  the  City  of  Chicago  the  written  consent  of  three- 
fourths  of  the  property  owners  according  to  frontage  on  both  sides  of  the  street 
in  the  block  in  which  the  building  to  be  thus  used  is  located,  provided  in  determin- 
ing whether  all  the  buildings  in  said  block  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  pur- 
poses, any  building  fronting  on  another  street  and  located  upon  a  corner  shall  not 
oe  considered. 

t717%.  Xo  permit  shall  be  issued  for  the  erection  or  remodeling  of  any  build- 
ing in  any  block  in  which  the  use  of  buildings  is  restricted  or  regulated  by  ordi- 
nance if  such  building  is  designed  to  be  used  for  conducting  therein  any  business 
or  store,  without  first  requiring  the  applicant  for  such  permit  to  file  with  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings  a  plat  showing  the  use  to  which  all  the  property  in  such 
block  is  devoted. 


ARTICLE  XXV. 

FIRE    LIMITS. 

$718.  Fire  Limits— Provisional  Fire  Limits.)  (a)  The  fire  limits  of  the  City 
of  Chicago,  within  which  wooden  buildings  shall  not  be  erected,  shall  be  and  they 
are  hereby  defined  as  follows:  All  that  part  of  the  City  of  Chicago  bounded  by 
the  following  limits:  Commencing  at  the  intersection  of  the  shore  of  'Lake  Mich- 


*A  new  section,  added  March  24,  1913;  as  amended  April  14,  1913.  See  pages 
4208  and  4391,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council. 

t  A  new  section,  added  June  2,  1913.  See  page  831,  Journal  of  the  Proceedings 
cf  the  City  Council. 

$  As  amended  November  25,  1912,  and  July  30,  1913.  See  pages  2478  and  1990. 
Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  City  Council  for  said  dates  respectively.  [Thi? 
Section  was  previously  amended  February  20,  1911,  November  20,  1911,  and  July 
22,  1912.  See  pages  4000,  1786  and  1538,  of  the  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
City  Council  for  the  respective  dates  given.] 


184  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

igan  and  the  center  line  of  Devon  avenue,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of 
Devon  avenue  to  a  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of 
North  Clark  street,  thence  south  along  said  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  west 
of  the  west  line  of  North  Clark  street  to  the  center  line  of  Lawrence  avenue, 
thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  Lawrence  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  North 
Western  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  North  Western  avenue  to 
the  center  line  of  Addison  street,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  Addison 
street  to  the  center  line  of  North  Whipple  street,  thence  south  along  the  center 
line  of  North  Whipple  street  to  the  center  line  of  Elston  avenue,  thence  southeast 
along  the  center  line  of  Elston  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  Roscoe  street,  thence 
east  along  the  center  line  of  Roscoe  street  to  the  center  line  of  the  North  Branch 
of  the  Chicago  River,  thence  southeasterly  along  the  center  line  of  the  North 
Branch  of  the  Chicago  River  to  the  center  line  of  Belmont  avenue,  thence  west 
alon<r  the  center  line  of  Belmont  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  North  Kedzie  ave- 
nue, thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  North  Kedzie  avenue  to  the  center  line 
of  Diversey  avenue,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  Diversey  avenue  to  the 
center  line  of  North  Central  Park  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of 
North  Central  Park  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  Fullerton  avenue,  thence  west 
along  the  center  line  of  Fullerton  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  North  44th  avenue, 
thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  North  44th  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West 
Chicago  avenue,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  West  Chicago  avenue  to  the 
center  line  of  North  Austin  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  North 
Austin  avenue  and  South  Austin  avenue  to  the  north  line  of  the  right-of-way  of 
the  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Chicago  Terminal  Railroad  Co.,  thence  easterly  along  the 
north  line  of  the  right-of-way  of  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Chicago  Terminal  Railroad 
Co.  to  the  center  line  of  South  46th  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line 
of  South  46th  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  22nd  street,  thence  east  along 
the  center  line  of  West  22nd  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  44th  avenue,  thence 
south  along  the  center  line  of  South  44th  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  33rd 
street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  West  33rd  street  to  the  center  line  of 
South  40th  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  South  40th  avenue  to 
the  center  line  of  the  Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal,  thence  northeasterly  along 
the  center  line  of  the  Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal  to  the  center  line  of  South 
Western  Avenue  boulevard,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  South  Western 
Avenue  boulevard  to  the  center  line  of  West  39th  street,  thence  east  along  the 
center  line  of  West  39th  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Robey  street,  thence 
south  along  the  center  line  of  South  Robey  street  to  the  center  line  of  West  43rd 
street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street  to  a  line  one  hundred 
twenty-five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue,  thence  north 
along  said  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  South  Ash- 
land avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  41st  street,  thence  east  along  the  center 
line  of  West  41st  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue,  thence  north 
along  the  center  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  40th 
street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  West  40th  street  to  a  line  one  hundred 
twenty-five  feet  east  of  the  east  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue,  thence  south  along 
said  line  one  hundred  twenty-five*  feet  east  of  the  east  line  of  South  Ashland 
avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street,  thence  west  along  the  center  line 
of  West  43rd  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue,  thence  south 
along  the  center  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  47th 
street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  West  47th  street  to  a  line  one  hundred 


IK'II.DIXG    OKD1XANCES.  IS.") 

twenty-five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  South  Halsted  street,  thence  south  along 
said  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  South  Halsted 
street  to  the  north  line  of  West  51st  street,  thence  east  along  the  north  line  of 
West  51st  street  to  a  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  east  of  the  east  line  of 
South  Halsted  street,  thence  north  along  said  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet 
east  of  the  east  line  of  South  Halsted  street  to  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street, 
thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street  to  the  center  line  of  Wallace 
street,  thence  north  along  the  center  line  of  Wallace  street  to  the 
center  line  of  West  40th  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of 
West  40th  street  to  the  center  line  of  Butler  street,  thence  south 
along  the  center  line  of  Butler  street  to  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street, 
thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street  to  a  line  one  hundred  twenty- 
five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  Wentworth  avenue,  thence  south  along  said  line 
one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  Wentworth  avenue  to  the 
north  line  of  West  Garfield  boulevard,  thence  east  along  the  north  line  of  West 
Garfield  boulevard  to  a  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  east  of  the  east  line  of 
Wentworth  avenue,  thence  north  along  said  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  east 
of  the  east  line  of  Wentworth  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street, 
thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  West  43rd  street  to  a  line  one  hundred  twenty- 
five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  South  State  street,  thence  south  along  said  line 
one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  South  State  street  to  the 
center  line  of  West  Garfield  boulevard,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  West 
Garfield  boulevard  to  the  center  line  of  Union  avenue,  thence  north  along  the 
center  line  of  Union  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  West  5 1st  street,  thence  west 
along  the  center  line  of  West  51st  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Centre  ave- 
nue, thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  South  Centre  avenue  to  a  line  one 
hundred  twenty-five  feet  north  of  the  north  line  of  West  63rd  street,  thence 
west  along  said  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  north  of  the  north  line  of  West 
63rd  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue,  thence  south  along  the 
center  line  of  South  Ashland  avenue  to  a  line  one  hundred  twenty-five  feet  south 
of  the  south  line  of  West  63rd  street,  thence  east  along  said  line  one  hundred 
twenty-five  feet  south  of  the  south  line  of  West  63rd  street  to  the  center  line 
of  South  Centre  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  South  Cen- 
tre avenue  to  the  center  line  of  W^est  75th  street,  thence  east  along  the 
center  line  of  West  75th  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  State 
street,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  South  State  street  to  the 
center  line  of  East  79th  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East  70th 
street  to  the  center  line  of  Cottage  Grove  avenue,  thence  north  along  the  center  line 
of  Cottage  Grove  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  East  75th  street,  thence  east  along  the 
renter  line  of  East  75th  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Shore  avenue,  thence 
southeasterly  along  the  center  line  of  South  Shore  avenue  to  the  center  line 
of  East  79th  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East  79th  street  to  the 
center  line  of  Ontario  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  Ontario  avenue 
to  the  center  line  of  East  83rd  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East 
83rd  street  io  the  center  line  of  Superior  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center 
line  of  Superior  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  East  89th  street,  thence  west  along 
the  center  line  of  East  89th  street  to  the  center  line  of  Manistee  avenue,  thence 
south  along  the  center  line  of  Manistee  avenue  (and  Manistee  avenue  produced) 
to  the  northeasterly  line  of  the  right-of-way  of  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan 
Southern  Railroad  Co.,  thence  southeasterly  along  the  northeasterly  line  of  the 


186  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

right-of-way  of  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railroad  Co.  to  the  cen- 
ter line  of  East  95th  street,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  East  95th 
street  to  the  South  Chicago  branch  of  the  Pittsburgh,  "Fort  Wayne  &  Chicago 
Railroad  Co..  thence  southeasterly  and  southwesterly  along  the  South  Chicago 
branch  of  the  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne  &  Chicago  Railroad  to  the  center  line  of  East 
106th  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East  106th  street  to  a  line  two 
hundred  feet  east  of  the  east  bank  of  the  Calumet  River,  thence  northerly  along 
said  line  two  hundred  feet  east  of  the  east  bank  of  the  Calumet  River  to  the  center 
line  of  East  95th  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East  95th  street  to 
Lake  Michigan,  thence  northerly  and  northwesterly  along  the  shore  of  Lake 
Michigan  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

(b)  Also,  commencing  at  the  intersection  of  the  shore  of  Lake  Calumet  and 
the  center  line  of  Stony  Island  avenue,  thence  north  along  the  center  line  of  Stony 
Island  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  East  95th  street,  thence  west  along  the  center 
line  of  East   95th   street   to  the  center  line  of   South  Park  avenue,  thence   south 
along  the  center  line  of  South  Park  avenue  and  South  Park  avenue  produced  to 
the  center  line   of  East    103rd   street,  thence   east  along   the   center   line  of   East 
103rd  street  to  the  center  line  of  Corliss  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line 
of  Corliss  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  East   106th  street,  thence  west  along  the 
center  line  of  East  106th  street  to  the  center  line  of  Cottage  Grove  avenue,  thence 
southwesterly  along  the  center  line  of  Cottage  Grove  avenue  to  the  center  line  of 
East   109th  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East  109th  street  to  the 
center  line  of  South  Park  avenue  produced,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of 
South  Park  avenue  produced  to  the  center  line  of  East   11 5th  street,  thence  east 
along  the  center  line  of  East  115th  street  to  the  northeasterly  line  of  the  right-of- 
way  of  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad  Co.,  thence  southeasterly  along  the  north- 
easterly line  of  the  right-of-way  of  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad  Co.,  to  the  cen- 
ter line  of  East  127th  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East  127th  street 
to  the  shore  of  Lake  Calumet,  thence  northerly  along  the  shore  of  Lake  Calumet 
to  Stony  Island  avenue,  the  place  of  beginning. 

(c)  Excepting   the   district   bounded   as   follows:      Commencing   at   the    inter- 
section  of   the   center  line   of   Belmont  avenue  and  the  center  line   of  the   North 
Branch  of  the  Chicago  River,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  Belmont  avenue 
to  the  center  line  of  Southport  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  South- 
port  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  Fullerton  avenue,  thence  west  along  the  center 
line   of  Fullerton  avenue  to  the   center  line  of  the  North  Branch  of  the   Chicago 
River,   thence    northwesterly    along   the    center   line   of    the    North   Branch   of   the 
Chicago  River  to  the  center  line  of  Belmont  avenue,  the  place  of  beginning. 

(d)  Excepting,   also,   so    much   of   the   land   from   which   clay   has   been    re- 
moved and   in  which  filling  has  been  placed  in  the   district  bounded  as   follows: 
Commencing    at    the    intersection    of    the    center   line    of    Addison    street    and   the 
center  line  of  North  Western  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  North 
Western  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  Belmont  avenue,  thence  west  along  the  cen- 
ter line  of  Belmont  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  the  North  Branch  of  the  Chicago 
River,  thence  northerly  along  the  center  line  of  the  North  Branch  of  the  Chicago 
River  to  the  center  line  of  Addison  street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of 
Addison  street  to  the  center   line  of  North  Western  avenue,  the  place   of  begin- 
ning. 

(dd)      Excepting,  also,  for  the  period  extending  from  the  time  of  the  passage 
of  this  ordinance  up  to  the  first  day  of  January,  1915,  that  territory  bounded  by  a 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  187 

line  commencing  at  a  point  in  the  center  of  South  Peoria  street  whore  it  intersects 
the  center  of  West  52nd  street,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  West  52nd 
street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Morgan  street,  thence  south  along  the  center  line 
cf  South  Morgan  street  to  the  center  line  of  West  53rd  street,  thence  east  along 
the  center  line  of  West  53rd  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Peoria  street,  thence 
north  along  the  center  line  of  South  Peoria  street  to  the  place  of  beginning,  this 
exception,  however,  not  to  extend  beyond  the  said  first  day  of  January.  1915.  after 
which  date  Paragraph  (dd)  of  this  ordinance  shall  no  longer  be  in  force. 

(e)  Excepting,  also,  the  following  territory,  which  shall  be  known  as  a  pro- 
visional fire  limit:     Commencing  at  the   intersection  of  the  shore  of  Lake  Mich- 
igan and  the  center  line  of  East  79th  street,  thence  west  along  the   center  line 
of  East  79th  street  to  the  center  line  of  South  Shore  avenue,  thence  northwesterly 
along  the  center  line  of  South  Shore  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  East  75th  street, 
thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  East  75th  street  to  the  center  line  of  South 
State  street,  thence  north  along  the  center  line  of  South  State  street  to  the  north- 
westerly line  of  the   right-of-way  of  the  Lake   Shore  &  Michigan   Southern  Rail- 
road Co.,  thence  southeasterly  along  the  northwesterly  line  of  the  right-of-way  of 
the  Lake  Shore  &  Michigan  Southern  Railroad  Co.  to  the  center  line  of  East  67th 
street,  thence  east  along  the  center  line  of  East  67th  street  to  the  center  line  of 
South  Park  avenue,  thence  north  along  the  center  line  of  South  Park  avenue  to  the 
center  line  of  East   63rd   street,  thence   east  along  the   center  line   of   East   63rd 
street  to  the  center  line  of  Cottage  Grove  avenue,  thence  south  along  the  center 
line  of  Cottage  Grove  avenue  to  the  center  line  of  East  67th  street,  thence  east 
along  the  center  line  of  East  67th  street  to  the  shore  of  (Lake  Michigan,  thence 
southerly   and   southeasterly    along  the   shore    of  Lake   Michigan   to   the   place   of 
beginning. 

(f)  The  following  district  outside  of  the  above  described  fire  limits  is  hereby 
established  as  a   provisional   fire   limit   district:     Commencing  at   the  intersection 
of  the  center  line  of  Stony  Island  avenue  and  the  center  line  of  East  75th  street, 
thence  south  along  the  center  line  of  Stony  Island  avenue  to  the  center  line   of 
East   79th   street,   thence   east   along  the   center   line   of   East   79th   street  to  the 
center  line  of  Jeffrey  avenue,  thence  north  along  the  center  line  of  Jeffrey  avenue 
to  the  center  line  of  East  75th  street,  thence  west  along  the  center  line  of  East 
75th  street  to  the  center  line  of  Stony  Island  avenue,  the  place  of  beginning. 

(g)  Any  person  desiring  to  erect  a  frame  or  wooden  building  to  be  used  for 
residence  or  mercantile  purposes  within  the  provisional  fire  limits  above  described 
shall   have  a  right  to  do  so,  upon  presenting  a  petition  to  the   Commissioner  of 
Buildings,  together  with  a  plat,  plans  and  specifications  showing  the  place  where 
such   building  is   to  be  erected.      Such  petition   shall  be  verified  by  the   affidavit 
of  the  applicant  and   shall  contain  the  written  consent  of  the  owners  of  a  ma- 
jority of  the  frontage  upon  both  sides  of  the  streets  surrounding  the  square  in 
which  the  building  is  to  be  erected. 

(h)  No  frame  or  wooden  residence  or  mercantile  building  shall  be  erected 
within  the  said  provisional  fire  limits  exceeding  forty  feet  high. 

719.  Nuisance.)  (a)  Every  building  or  structure  constructed  or  maintained 
in  violation  of  this  Chapter,  or  which  is  in  an  unsanitary  condition,  or  in  an  unsafe 
or  dangerous  condition  or  which  in  any  manner  endangers  the  health  or  safety  of 
any  person  or  persons,  is  hereby  declared  to  be  a  public  nuisance. 


188  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

(b)  Every  building  or  part  thereof  which  is  in  an  unsanitary  condition  by 
reason  of  the  basement  or  cellar  being  damp  or  wet,  or  by  reason  of  the  floor  of 
such  basement  or  cellar  being  covered  with  stagnant  water,  or  by  reason  of  the 
presence  of  sewer  gas,  or  by  reason  of  any  portion  of  a  building  being  infected 
with  disease  or  being  unfit  for  human  habitation  or  which  by  reason  of  any  other 
unsanitary  condition,  is  a  source  of  sickness,  or  which  endangers  the  public  health, 
is  hereby  declared  to  be  a  public  nuisance. 

720.  Penalty.)     Any     person,     or     corporation     who     violates,     neglects     or 
refuses  to  comply  with,  or  who  resists  or  opposes  the  enforcement  of  any  of  the 
provisions  of  this  Chapter,  shall  be  fined  not  less  than  twenty-five  nor  more  than 
two  hundred  dollars  for  each  offense,  and  every  such  person  or  corporation  shall 
be  deemed  guilty  of  a   separate   offense   for  every   day  on   which  such   violation, 
neglect  or  refusal  shall  continue;  and  any  builder  or  contractor  who  shall  construct 
any  building  in  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter,  and  any  archi- 
tect designing,  drawing  plans  for  or  having  charge  of  such  building  or  who  shall 
permit  it  to  be  constructed,  shall  be  liable  to  the  penalties  provided  and  imposed 
by  this  section. 

721.  (a)     All    ordinances    or    parts    of    ordinances    inconsistent    herewith    or 
repugnant  hereto  are  hereby  repealed. 

(b)  An  ordinance  passed  March  20,  1905,  relative  to  buildings,  designated  as 
Chapter  XV  and  known  as  Sections  199  to  738,  both  inclusive,  of  the  Revised 
Municipal  Code  of  Chicago  of  1905,  and  all  amendments  thereto,  are  hereby  repealed, 
but  this  ordinance  shall  not  be  construed  or  held  to  repeal  any  former  ordinance  as 
to  any  offense  committed  against  the  former  ordinance  or  as  to  any  act  done,  any 
penalty,  forfeiture  or  punishment  incurred,  or  any  right  accrued,  or  claims  arising 
under  the  former  ordinance,  or  in  any  way  whatever  to  affect  any  such  offense  or 
act  so  committed  or  done,  or  any  penalty,  forfeiture  or  punishment  so  incurred,  or 
any  right  accrued  or  claims  arising  before  this  ordinance  takes  effect,  save  only 
that  the  proceedings  hereafter  shall  conform  so  far  as  practicable  to  the  ordinances 
in  force  at  the  time  of  such  proceeding.  If  any  penalty,  forfeiture  or  punishment 
be  mitigated  by  any  provision  of  this  ordinance  such  provision  may,  by  the  consent 
of  the  party  affected,  be  applied  to  any  judgment  pronounced  after  the  new  ordi- 
nance takes  effect. 


ARTICLE  XXVI. 

722.  Wood  Lathing  and  Plastering.)  (Inserted  in  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911, 
as  Section  605  thereof.  Said  Section  was  amended  May  19,  1913.  See  page  133, 
ante.) 


II. 

AN    ORDINANCE 

Prescribing  Regulations  for  Places  of  Amusement. 

[Passed  December  5,  1910.] 
[Inserted  as  Sections  721  to  727,  inclusive,  in  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911.] 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 

SECTION   1.     No  Amusement  License  to  Issue  Without  Certificate  from  City 
Officials.)     No  license  shall  be  issued  to  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  pro- 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  189 

duce,  present,  conduct,  operate  or  offer  for  gain  or  profit,  any  theatricals,  shows 
or  amusements  until  the  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  the  Commissioner  of  Health, 
the  Fire  Marshal  and  the  City  Electrician  shall  have  certified  in  writing  that  the 
room  or  place  where  it  is  proposed  to  produce,  present,  conduct,  operate  or  offer 
auch  theatricals,  shows  or  amusements  complies  in  every  respect  with  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  City  of  Chicago. 

SECTION  2.  Lighting — Buildings  Kept  Lighted  During  Performance.)  Every 
portion  of  any  building  or  structure  in  which  theatricals,  shows  and  amusements 
are  offered,  operated,  presented  or  exhibited  for  gain  or  profit  devoted  to  the  use 
or  accommodation  of  the  public,  and  all  outlets  therefrom  leading  to  the  street, 
including  all  open  courts,  corridors,  stairways,  exits  and  emergency  exit  stairways 
shall  be  well  and  properly  lighted  during  every  performance,  and  shall  remain 
lighted  until  the  entire  audience  has  left  the  premises.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Fire  Marshal  to  enforce  the  provisions  of  this  section. 

SECTION  3.  Independent  Lighting  System  for  Exits.)  All  stairways  and  cor- 
ridors in  every  building  or  structure  in  which  theatricals,  shows  and  amusements 
are  offered,  operated,  presented  or  exhibited  for  gain,  shall  be  supplied  with  a 
supplemental  lighting  system  of  electricity,  gas  or  sperm  oil,  and  such  system 
shall  be  independent  of  all  other  lights  in  such  building  or  structure  and  shall  be  in 
operation  during  the  entire  period  that  .such  building  or  structure  is  open  to  the 
public  and  until  the  entire  audience  has  left  the  building. 

The  word  "Exit"  shall  appear  in  letters  at  least  six  inches  high  over  the 
opening  of  every  means  of  egress  from  such  building  or  structure,  and  a  red  light 
shall  be  kept  burning  over  such  sign. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  City  Electrician  to  enforce  the  provisions  of  this 
section  relative  to  the  installation  of  the  lighting  provisions  contained  therein;  and 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Fire  Marshal  to  see  the  lights  are  kept  lighted  as  required 
by  this  section. 

SECTION  4.  Gas  Calcium  Lights  Prohibited— Arc  Lights.)  The  use  of  gas 
calcium  lights  in  any  building  in  which  theatricals,  shows  and  amusements  are 
offered,  operated,  presented  or  exhibited  for  gain,  is  hereby  prohibited. 

All  arc  lights  used  on  the  stage  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  City 
Electrician. 

SECTION  5.  Exit  Doors  or  Gates  Not  To  Be  Locked — Obstructions  Prohibited.) 
No  exit  door  or  gate  in  any  place  in  which  theatricals,  shows  and  amusements  are 
offered,  operated,  presented  or  exhibited  for  gain,  shall  be  locked  or  fastened  in 
any  manner  during  the  entire  time  that  such  place  of  amusement  is  open  to 
the  public. 

All  aisles,  passageways,  corridors  and  exits  of  all  such  places  of  amusement 
shall  be  kept  free  from  camp  stools,  chairs,  sofas,  draperies  and  other  obstructions, 
and  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  stand  in  or  occupy  any  of  such  aisles,  passage- 
ways, corridors  or  exits  during  any  performance. 

SECTION  6.  Diagram  of  Exits  and  Seats.)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  owner 
lessee  or  manager  of  any  theater  having  q,  seating  capacity  in  excess  of  300 
persons,  to  cause  to  be  printed  on  all  programs  furnished  for  any  performance,  on 
the  page  opposite  to  that  upon  which  the  cast  is  printed,  a  diagram  showing  con- 
spicuously the  place  of  every  exit  from  such  building.  A  diagram  of  the  floor 


HO  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

plan  showing  the  location  of  every  seat  on  each  floor,  and  also  the  exits  leading 
from  each  floor,  drawn  to  a  scale  of  one-eighth  of  an  inch  to  the  foot,  shall  be 
posted  in  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  box  office  of  any  such  theater,  so  as  to  be 
easily  seen  by  the  public.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Fire  Marshal  to  enforce 
the  provisions  of  this  section. 

SECTION  7.  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  violating  any  of  the  provisions 
of  this  ordinance  shall  be  fined  not  more  than  two  hundred  dollars  for  each  offense 
and  each  and  every  day  upon  which  any  such  person,  firm  or  corporation  shal 
give,  conduct,  produce,  present,  offer  or  operate  any  such  entertainment  contrary 
to  or  in  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance  shall-  constitute  a 
separate  and  distinct  offense. 

SECTION  8.  This  ordinance  shall  be  in  full  force  and  effect  from  and  after  it« 
passage,  approval  and  due  publication. 


III. 

AN    ORDINANCE 

Concerning   special    stage    firemen    and   fire    guards   in    theatres    having    a    seating 
capacity  for  three  hundred  or  more  persons. 

[Passed  December  5,  1910.] 

[Inserted  as  Sections  931  to  939,  inclusive,  in  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911.] 
Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 

SECTION    1.     Special  Stage  Firemen   and  Fireguards  Required.)      It   shall  b 
the  duty  of  every  person,  firm  or  corporation  conducting,  operating  or  maintaining 
any  room  in  a  building  which  is  used  regularly  for  theatrical  or  vaudeville  purpose 
and  where  an  admission   fee   is  charged  and  having  a   seating  capacity  for  thre 
hundred  or  more  persons,  to  procure  and  keep   at  his,  their  or   its  own  expens 
one  adult  male  person  as  a  special  stage  fireman  and  one  adult  male  person  as 
fire-guard  who   shall  wear  such  uniform  and  badge   as   the   Fire   Marshal   of   th 
City  of  Chicago  may  prescribe.     Such  special  stage  firemen  shall  be  responsible  t 
and  under  the   direction  and  subject  to  the   control  of  said  Fire  Marshal  or  hi 
accredited  representative  during  such  time  as  any  such  theatre  may  be  open  to  the 
public.     Such  special  stage  fireman  shall  be  kept  on  duty  by  every  such  person,  firm 
or  corporation  at  every  such  building  conducted  by  him,  them  or  it  as  aforesaid  at 
least  thirty  minutes  prior  to  the  commencement  of  any  performance,  during  the 
entire  time  of  such  performance  and  until  the  entire  audience  shall  have  left  the 
building. 

SECTION  2.  Duties  of  Special  Stage  Fireman.)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  such 
special  stage  fireman  to  see  that  all  fire  appliances  on  the  stage  and  above  and 
below  it,  in  the  dressing  rooms  and  throughout  the  basement  of  any  such  building 
used  as  a  theatre,  are  in  their  proper  places  and  in  good  working  order;  that  the 
tanks  supplying  the  standpipes  and  the  sprinkling  system  are  full  of  water,  that 
the  ventilator  above  the  stage  and  other  ventilation  apparatus  used  in  connection 
with  the  theatre  are  in  operation  and  in  good  working  order  and  changing  the  air, 
as  required  by  the  ordinances  of  the  city.  Such  special  stage  fireman  shall  make 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  191 

daily  reports,  in  duplicate,  in  such  manner  and  form  as  said  Fire  Marshal  shall 
prescribe,  which  report  shall  be  countersigned  by  the  fireguard.  The  original  of 
the  aforesaid  report  shall  be  delivered  to  the  Fire  Marshal  of  the  City  of  Chicago 
and  the  duplicate  thereof  shall  be  delivered  to  the  owner  of  the  theatre,  where 
such  special  stage  fireman  is  employed,  or  to  the  person  having  the  management 
thereof.  Said  special  stage  fireman  shall  be  subject  to  the  orders  of  the  Fire 
Marshal  during  such  time  as  the  theatres  shall  be  open  and  occupied  by  the  public. 

SECTION  3.  Fireguard — Duties.)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  such  fireguard  to 
see  that  all  exit  doors  are  unfastened  and  unobstructed,  that  the  aisles  are  kept 
clear  and  free  from  all  obstructions  and  that  all  the  provisions  of  the  ordinances 
of  the  City  of  Chicago  relating  to  theatres  are  observed  and  complied  with.  Such 
fireguard  may,  in  the  discretion  of  the  owner  or  manager  of  the  theatre  wherein 
he  is  employed,  act  as  chief  usher  or  auditorium  superintendent  during  performances. 

SECTION  4.  Monthly  Report  to  Fire  Marshal.)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  such 
special  stage  fireman  and  fireguard  to  report  in  person  to  the  Fire  Marshal  or 
his  accredited  representative,  at  least  once  in  each  month,  and  they  and  each  of 
them  shall  be  subject  to,  and  required  to  obey  such  rules  and  regulations  as  the 
Fire  Marshal  shall  prescribe  governing  the  duties  to  be  performed  by  them  in 
conformity  with  this  ordinance;  provided,  however,  that  such  rules  and  regulations 
shall  apply  to  all  special  stage  firemen  and  fireguards. 

SECTION  5.  Interpretation.)  This  ordinance  shall  not  be  so  construed  as 
to  prevent  the  owners  or  managers  of  theatres  employing  special  stage  firemen  or 
fireguards  from  assigning  such  persons  so  employed  to  duties  other  than  those 
enumerated  in  this  ordinance  when  the  theatre  is  not  open  to  the  public. 

SECTION  6.  Duties  of  Fire  Marshal — License — Revocation.)  Said  Fire  Mar- 
shal shall  cause  all  such  theatres  to  be  inspected  daily  by  a  proper  officer  of  the 
Fire.  Department,  and  he  shall  also  examine  all  persons  who  desire  to  seek  em- 
ployment as  special  stage  firemen  or  fireguards,  as  to  their  qualifications  and 
fitness  for  the  duties  for  which  they  seek  to  be  employed,  and  whenever  said  Fire 
Marshal  finds  any  such  applicant  to  be  competent,  he  shall  without  charge,  issue 
a  license  to  such  applicant  and  he  may  revoke  any  such  license  issued  by  him  at 
any  time,  when  in  his  judgment  such  special  stage  fireman  or  fireguard  is  incom- 
petent, inefficient  or  has  neglected  to  perform  the  duties  required  of  him  in  this 
ordinance;  provided,  however,  that  said  Fire  Marshal  shall  not  revoke  any  license 
without  giving  to  the  person  to  whom  such  license  was  issued  a  reasonable  oppor- 
tunity to  be  heard  on  the  subject  of  such  revocation. 

It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  employ  a  person 
either  as  special  stage  fireman  or  as  a  fireguard  unless  such  person  is  licensed  as 
provided  in  this  ordinance. 

SECTION  7.  Fire  Apparatus.)  In  every  building  or  place  having  a  seating 
capacity  of  less  than  300,  in  which  theatricals,  shows  and  amusements  are  offered, 
operated,  presented  or  exhibited  for  gain,  there  shall  be  provided  and  kept  upon 
the  stage,  two  hand  water  pumps,  two  fire  axes,  two  pike  poles,  and  also  one  hand 
water  pump  in  the  basement  or  other  portion  of  the  building  or  place  used  as  a 
dressing  room  or  rooms;  also  one  hand  water  pump  and  one  fire  axe  in  the  audi- 
torium thereof. 

In  every  building  or  place  having  a  seating  capacity  in  excess  of  three  hun- 


192  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

dred  persons  in  which  theatricals,  shows  and  amusements  are  offered,  operated, 
presented  or  exhibited  for  gain,  there  shall  be  kept  two  or  more  portable  fire  ex- 
tinguishers on  the  stage  and  two  or  more  portable  fire  extinguishers  under  the 
stage,  which  shall  at  all  times  be  kept  filled  with  water;  also  four  fire  axes,  two 
15-foot  pike  poles  and  two  10-foot  pike  poles  on  each  tier  or  floor  of  the  stage. 

SECTION  8.  Fire  Apparatus  to  be  Under  Control  of  Fire  Department.)  All 
standpipes,  automatic  sprinklers,  gas  pipes,  electric  wires,  hose,  footlights,  fire 
alarm  boxes,  fireproof  proscenium  curtains,  switch  boxes,  ventilators,  controlling 
levers,  axes,  pike  poles  and  all  apparatus  for  the  extinguishing  of  fire  or  guarding 
against  fire  shall  be  kept  at  all  times  in  a  condition  satisfactory  to  and  under  the 
control  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

SECTION  9.  Penalty.)  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  who  violates,  neglects 
or  refuses  to  comply  with  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance  shall  be  fined  not  less 
than  twenty-five  ($25.00)  dollars  nor  more  than  two  hundred  ($200.00)  dollars  for 
each  offense,  and  every  such  person,  firm  or  corporation  shall  be  deemed  guilty 
of  a  separate  offense  for  every  day  that  such  violation,  neglect  or  refusal  shall 
continue  and  any  proprietor  of  a  theatre  who  shall  have  violated  any  of  the  provi- 
sions of  the  foregoing  sections,  shall  in  the  discretion  of  the  Mayor  on  recommenda- 
tion by  said  Fire  Marshal,  have  his,  their  or  its  license  to  conduct,  operate  or  main- 
tain such  theatre  revoked. 

SECTION  10.  This  ordinance  shall  be  in  full  force  and  effect  from  and  after 
its  passage,  approval  and  due  publication. 


IV. 

AN  ORDINANCE 

Prohibiting  the  construction  or  maintenance  of  any  building  for  stabling  ten  01 
more  horses  within  one  hundred  feet  of  any  school,  church,  hospital,  public 
park  or  public  playground. 

[Passed  December  12,  1910.] 

[Inserted  as  Paragraph   (c)   of  Section  616,  in  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911.] 
Inserted  as 
Paragraph 

(c)  of  Sec-#e  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 
t  ion  61 6  of 

SECTION  1.    That  it  shall  hereafter  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  cor- 
Code  of      poration  to  locate,  build,  construct  or  maintain  any  building  or  structure  for  stabling 
1911.         °r  keeping  of  ten  or  more  horses  within  a  distance  of  one  hundred   (100)   feet  from 
any  school,  church,  hospital,  public  park  or  public  playground. 

SECTION  2.  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of 
the  foregoing  section  shall  be  fined  not  less  than  twenty-five  dollars  ($25.00)  nor 
more  than  two  hundred  dollars  ($200.00)  for  each  offense. 

SECTION  3.  This  ordinance  shall  be  in  full  force  and  effect  from  and. after  its 
passage,  approval  and  due  publication. 


ORIHN. \.\CKS.  193 

V. 

AT*   ORDINANCE 

Regulating  the  location  of  garages. 

[Passed  July  17,  1911.] 
Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 

SECTION  1.  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  locate, 
build,  construct  or  maintain  any  garage  within  two  hundred  feet  of  any  building 
used  as  and  for  a  hospital,  church  or  public  or  parochial  school,  or  the  grounds 
thereof,  and  it  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation  to  locate,  build, 
construct  or  maintain  any  garage  in  the  city  in  any  block  in  which  two-thirds  of 
the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the  street  are  used  exclusively  for  residence  purposes, 
or  within  one  hundred  feet  of  any  such  street  in  any  such  block,  without  securing 
the  written  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  property  owners,  according  to  frontage  on 
both  sides  of  the  street  as  provided  by  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago. 

SECTION  2.  Any  person  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance  shall 
be  fined  not  less  than  five  dollars  nor  more  than  one  hundred  dollars  for  each  of- 
fense, and  his  license  shall  be  subject  to  revocation  by  tihe  Mayor. 

SECTION  3.  That  Section  716  of  The  Chicago  Code  of  1911,  adopted  March  13, 
1911,  and  all  ordinances  and  parts  of  ordinances  conflicting  with  this  ordinance  be 
and  the  same  are  hereby  repealed. 

SECTION  4.  This  ordinance  shall  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage  and 
due  publication. 


VI. 

AN   ORDINANCE 

Restricting  the  noise  of  building  operations  at  night  in  residential  districts. 

[Passed  November  13,  1911.] 
Be  it  ordained  "by  the  City -Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 

SECTION  1.  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation,  in  con- 
ducting any  building  operations  between  the  hours  of  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening 
and  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  to  operate  or  use  any  pile  drivers,,  steam  shovels, 
pneumatic  hammers,  derricks,  steam  or  electric  hoists  or  other  apparatus,  the  use 
of  which  is  attended  with  loud  or  unusual  noise,  in  any  block  in  which  more  than 
half  of  the  buildings  on  either  side  of  the  street  are  used  exclusively  for  residence 
purposes. 

SECTION  2.  Any  person,  firm'  or  corporation  violating  any  of  the  provisions 
of  Section  1  hereof  shall  be  fined  not  less  than  five  dollars,  nor  more  than  one 
hundred  dollars  for  each  offense,  and  each  day's  violation  of  same  shall  be  consid- 
ered a  separate  offense. 

SECTION  3.  This  ordinance  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its 
passage  and  due  publication. 


194  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

VII. 

AN    ORDINANCE 

Providing   that  Moving  Picture   Theatres    Shall   Be  Lighted   During   Performances. 

[Passed   July   22,    1912.] 
Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago: 

SECTION  1.  Every  portion  of  a  moving  picture  theatre,  including  exits,  courts 
and  corridors,  devoted  to 'the  use  or  accommodation  of  the  public,  shall  be  so 
lighted  by  electric  light  during  all  exhibitions  and  until  the  entire  audience  has 
left  the  premises  that  a  person  with  normal  eyesight  shall  be  able  to  read  Snellen 
Standard  Test  Type  40  at  a  distance  of  20  feet  and  Type  30  at  a  distance  of  10 
feet;  normal  eyesight,  meaning  ability  to  read  Type  20  at  a  distance  of  20 
feet  in  daylight.  Cards  showing  Types  20,  30  and  40  shall  be  displayed  in  the 
corridor  of  every  such  theater  together  with  a  copy  of  this  ordinance. 

SECTION  2.  Any  person,  firm  or  corporation  who  violates,  neglects  or  refuses 
to  comply  with,  or  who  resists  or  opposes  the  enforcement  of  this  ordinance  shall 
be  fined  not  less  than  twenty-five  dollars  nor  more  than  two  hundred  dollars  for 
each  offense,  and  every  such  person,  firm  or  corporation  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of 
a  separate  offense  for  every  day  on  which  such  violation,  neglect  or  refusal  shall 
continue. 

SECTION  3.  This  ordinance  shall  be  in  full  force  and  effeot  from  and  after  the 
first  day  of  January,  1913. 


VIII. 

AN    ORDINANCE 

Declaring  Theaters  Located  Above  the  First  Floors  of  Certain  Classes  of  Buildings 

to  Be  Nuisances. 

[Passed   July   22,    1912.] 
Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Chicago : 

SECTION  1.  That  it  shall  be  and  it  is  hereby  declared  to  be  a  nuisance  to  con- 
duct a  public  theatre  in  a  room  located  on  any  floor  above  the  first  floor  level  of 
a  building  of  other  than  fireproof  construction  or  a  building  which  did  not  comply 
with  the  ordinances  of  the  City  of  Chicago  with  reference  to  fireproof  construction 
in  force  at  the  time  such  building'  was  built,  and  that  all  such  public  theatres  now 
being  conducted  in  rooms  on  any  floor  above  the  first  floor  level  of  a  building  of 
other  than  fireproof  construction  or  a  building  which  did  not  comply  with  the  or- 
dinances of  the  City  of  Chicago  with  reference  to  fireproof  construction  in  force 
at  the  time  such  building  was  built,  with  a  seating  capacity  of  more  than  three 
hundred,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  declared  to  be  nuisances;  and  it  shall  be 
unlawful  to  continue  to  use  such  roqms  for  public  theatrical  purposes  whether  the 
same  are  equipped  with  a  stage  and  scenery  or  are  used  for  moving  picture  shows 
only. 

The  provisions  of  the  foregoing  paragraph  shall  not  apply  where  the  theatre 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  195 

is  altered  so  as  to  bring  the  ma.in  audience  room  on  the  first  floor  level  and  slow- 
burning  construction  is  used  in  the  reconstruction  work  and  in  making  such  altera- 
tions and  all  requirements  of  the  ordinances  of  the  City  applying  to  Class  IV-b  are 
complied  with,  nor  shall  said  provisions  apply  where  the  following  conditions  are 
fully  complied  with: 

(a)  The  building  shall  be  used  for  theatre  purposes  only. 

(b)  The  seating  capacity  shall  not  exceed  the  seating  capacity  at  the  time 
of  the  passage  of  this  ordinance. 

(c)  Metal    scenery   only    shall   be    used;    provided,    however,   one   proscenium 
drop,  one  back  drop  and  three  borders  may  be  used  provided  they  are  of  asbestos 
cloth,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal. 

(d)  All  seats  shall  be  at  least   eighteen  inches  wide  and  spaced  thirty- two 
inches  from  back  to  back. 

(e)  There  shall  be  no  boxes,  stalls  or  loges. 

(f)  No  stove  or  furnace  heating  shall  be  allowed. 

(g)  All  lighting  shall  be  by  electricity;   provided,  however,  that  gas  may  be 
used  in  connection  with  exit  lights. 

(h)  At  least  sixty  inches  of  exit  space  shall  be  provided  for  every  one  hun- 
dred seats. 

(i)     The  stage  shall  not  be  more  than  twenty-two  feet  from  front  to  rear. 

(j)     The  audience  room  shall  be  surrounded  by  brick  walls. 

(k)  In  all  cases  where  dressing  rooms  are  placed- back  of  the  stage  the 
brick  wall  shall  extend  between  the  stage  and  such  dressing  rooms,  but  the  stage 
wall  may  contain  a  door  leading  to  such  dressing  room  located  behind  said  wall. 

•(1)  All  dressing  rooms  shall  have  incombustible  partitions  and  all  existing 
wooden  partitions,  wherever  located,  shall  be  removed. 

(m)  There  shall  be  an  open  space  on  at  least  three  sides  of  the  building 
containing  such  theatre,  except  as  otherwise  herein  provided,  which  space  shall 
be  open  from  the  floor  level  of  the  auditorium  to  the  sky. 

(n)  One  of  such  open  spaces  must  be  a  public  street  and  the  others  public 
or  private  alleys  or  open  spaces  leading  directly  to  a  street  or  public  or  private 
alley,  and  in  all  cases  where  such  open  space  is  private  ground,  it  must  be  at  least 
five  feet  wide  where  the  seating  capacity  does  not  exceed  six  hundred,  and  six 
inches  additional  width  must  be  provided  for  each  one  hundred  seats  installed  in 
such  theatre  in  excess  of  six  hundred;  provided,  however,  that  in  all  cases  where 
a  sprinkler  system  is  installed  over  the  stage,  together  with  an  approved  power 
pump  and  pressure  tank  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Fire  Marshal,  it  shall  be 
sufficient  if  there  are  open  spaces  as  above  required  on  two  sides  of  the  building 
in  which  such  theatre  is  located. 

(o)  Wherever  the  side  of  an  audience  room  adjoins  an  open  space,  as  here- 
inabove  required,  which  open  space  is  on  private  ground  or  is  a  private  or  public 
alley,  there  shall  be  a  five-foot  open  iron  platform  extending  the  entire  length  of 
the  audience  room,  with  an  open  iron  stairway  leading  to  the  ground  from  said 
platform  at  each  end  thereof,  and  in  all  such  cases  there  shall  be  a  stairway  fire 
escape  leading  from  the  gallery  of  the  theatre,  if  there  is  a  gallery,  to  such 
platform. 

(p)     Where  the  only  open  space  adjoining  the  side  of  the  audience  room  is  a 


I  N  DEX 

LiN umbers  Refer  to  Sections.] 


BUILDINGS,  COMMISSIONER  OF— (See  also  "Buildings"). 

Account  of  fees,  to  be  kept  by,  211. 

Acts  of,  in  pursuance  of  ordinances,  shall  be  done  in  the  name  of  and  in  behalf 
of  the  City  of  Chicago,  200^ . 

Annual  inspection  of  certain  buildings  to  be  made  by,  237. 

Annual  reports  and  estimates  of,  211. 

Appeal  to  arbitration  frpm  decision  of,  206,  207. 

Application  for  building  permits  to  be  made  to  and  filed  by,  230. 

Appointment  of,  200. 

Appointment  of  subordinates  by,  200%' 

Architect's  certificate  to  accompany  plans  submitted  to,  238. 

Assistant  building  inspectors  in  charge,  to  be  appointed  by,  218. 

Assistant  engineer  in  charge,  to  be  appointed  by,  215. 

Assistants  of  department,  to  be  appointed  by,  225. 

Assistants  to  engineering  staff,  to  be  appointed  by,  216. 

Arbitrator  to  be  appointed  by,  when,  206. 

Authorized   to   direct   fire   marshal   to   remove   defective   and   dangerous   struc- 
tures, 204. 

Billboards,  etc.,  alteration  and  repair  of,  permit  for,  to  be  issued  by,  702. 

Billboards,  etc.,  alteration  and  repair  of,  plans  for,  to  be  submitted  to,  702. 

Billboards,  etc.,  annual  inspection  of,  by,  705. 

Billboards,  etc.,  bond  for,  to  be  approved  by,  706. 

Billboards,  etc.,  construction  and  location  of,  subject  to  approval  of,  697. 

Billboards,  etc.,  duty  to  require  name  of  owner  to  be  placed  on,  705. 

Billboards,  etc.,  frontage  consents  for,  to  be  filed  with,  707. 

Billboards,  etc.,  on  buildings,  to  be  fastened  in  manner  satisfactory  to,  695 

Billboards,  etc.,  outside  of  fire  limits,  subject  to  approval  of.  699. 

Billboards,  etc.,  owner  of,  to  be  notified  by,  when,  705. 

Billboards,  etc.,  permit  to  be  issued  by,  when,  701. 

Billboards,  etc.,  power  to  alter  or  remove,  705. 

Billboards,  etc.,  report  of  location  and  size,  to  be  filed  with,  705. 

Billboards,  etc.,  wooden,  permit  for,  to  be  issued  by,  698. 

Billboards,  etc.,  wooden,  plans  for,  to  be  submitted  to,  098.  701. 

Board    of    examiners    of    proposed    fireproof   material    and   construction     to   be 
appointed  by,  621. 

Board  of  examiners,  record  of  proceedings  of,  to  be  kept  by,  621. 

Board  of  examiners  to  certify  results  of  tests  to.  621. 

Bond  of,  200. 

Brickwork,  bond  and  tie  arrangement  of,  to  be  approved  by,  537. 

Building  inspector  in  charge,  to  be  appointed  by,  217. 

Building  inspectors,  to  be  appointed  by,  219. 

Buildings  not  to  be  built  contrary  to  approved  plans  without  consent  of,  239. 

Building  ordinances  to  be  enforced  by,  2001/2- 

Building  permits  may  be  revoked  by,  when,  236. 

Buildings   constructed   in   violation   of  building   ordinance   may  be  torn   down 
by,  203. 

Canopy,  plans  for,  to  be  submitted  to  and  approved  by,  601. 

Cars  on  roller  coaster  devices,  etc.,  to  be  approved  by,  362. 

Ceiling  around  boiler,  etc.,  protection  of,  to  'be  approved  by.  588. 

Certificates  and  notices  issued  by  department  to  be  signed  by,  210. 

Certificate  for  refund  of  deposit  for  street  obstructions,  to  be  issued  by,   615. 

Certificate  of  annual  inspection  to  be  issued  by,  237. 

Certification   of   fire   marshal   to,    that   grain   elevators,    malt   houses    and   cold 
storage  houses  comply  with  ordinances,  676. 


200  CITY   OF    CHICAGO 

Buildings — Commissioner  of —          % 

Class  IV  buildings,  may  be  closed  by,  when,  284. 

Class  IV  buildings,  power  of  entry  by,  283. 

Class  V  buildings,  may  be  closed  by,  when,  371. 

Class  V  buildings,  power  of  entry  by,  370. 

Class  VI  buildings,  inspection  of,  by,  435. 

Class  VI  buildings,  may  be  ordered  vacated  by,  when,  435. 

Class  VIII  buildings,  frame,  location  of  to  be  approved  by,  495. 

Class  VIII  buildings,  may  be  closed  by,  when,  511. 

Complaints  of   unsafe   or   dangerous   condition   of   building,   to   be   investigated 

by  201. 

Complaints  of  violations  of  ordinances,  to  be  investigated  by,  212. 
Concrete,  hand  mixing  of,  to  be  done  only  when  approved  by,  559. 
Concrete  piles  to  be  tested  under  direction  of,  531. 

Construction   and  reconstruction   of   power  and  heating   plants,   to   be   super- 
vised by  (Section  2355,  Code  of  1911). 

Construction  of  buildings  contrary  to  approved  plans  without  consent  of,  pro- 
hibited, 239. 

Construction  of  buildings  may  be  stopped  by,  when,  205. 
Cross  aisles  and  emergency  exits  in  buildings  of  Class  IVb,  location  of,  to  be 

approved  by,  311. 

Curtains  in  theaters,  plans  for  to  be  approved  by,  389,  412. 
Curtains  in  theaters,  semi-annual  inspection  of,  by,  389,  412. 
Dangerous  billboards  may  be  torn  down  by,  705. 
Deputy  commissioner  of  buildings  to  be  appointed  by,  213. 
Deviation  from  plans  without  consent  of,  forbidden,  232. 
Doors  or  shutters,  automatic  devices,  in  buildings  of  Class  V,  to  be  approved 

by,  388. 

Dry  cleaners,  license  of,  to  be  approved  by.      (Section  2822,  Code  of  1911). 
Duties  of,  200y2. 

Duties  of,  to  be  performed  by  building  inspector  in  charge,  when,  217. 
Duties  of,  to  be  performed  by  deputy  commissioner  of  buildings,  when,  213. 
Duty  to  certify  number  of  persons  permitted  in  certain  classes  of  buildings, 

322,  349,  399,  423. 

Duty  to  collect  costs  from  owner  for  tearing  down  dangerous  structure,  204. 
Duty  to  inspect  buildings,  237. 
Duty  to  order  fire  marshal  to  remove  temporary  seating  structure  in  buildings 

of  Class  IVd,  when,  360. 

Duty  to  require  deposit  to  be  made  for  water  to  be  used,  233. 
Duty  to  tear  down  building  being  improperly  constructed,  when,  203. 
Duty  to  tear  down  unsafe  and  dangerous  building,  when,  202. 
Elevators — 

Application  for  permit  to  be  made  to,  681. 

Automatic  hatch  closers  to  be  approved  and  examined  by,  685,  686. 

Certificate  of  inspection,  to  be  issued  by,  689. 

Defective,  not  to  be  operated  until  repairs  are  made  satisfactory  to,  689, 
690. 

Electric  motor  not  to  be  connected  to  hand  machinery  without  approval 
of,  688. 

Enclosing  wall  to  be  constructed  to  the  satisfaction  of,  682. 

Freight,  in  non-fireproof  buildings,  to  be  inspected  semi-annually  by,  686. 

Inspector  in  charge,  to  be  appointed  by,  220. 

Inspector  to  report  unsafe  condition  of  elevator  to,  690. 

Inspectors  to  be  appointed  by,  221. 

Opening  device  for  doors  and   in   shafts,   to  be  approved  by,   685. 

Permit  to  change  hand  hoist  to  power  driven,  to  be  issued  by,  688. 

Permits  for,  to  toe  issued  by,  681. 

Plans  and  specifications  to  be  submitted  to,  681. 

Power  to  stop  operation  of,  690. 

Requirements  for  public  safety  for  hoists,  to  be   certified,   688. 

Safety  devices  are  to  be  tested  and  approved  by,  687. 

Semi-'finnual  inspection  of,  by,  689. 
Emergency  exits  in  buildings  of  Class  IVb,  to  be  approved  by,  311. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  201 

Buildings — Commissioner  of — 

Engineer  in  charge,  to  be  appointed  "by ,  214. 

Engineering  staff,  to  be  appointed  by,  216. 

Exits  in  school  buildings  of  Class  VIII,  to  be  approved  by,  502. 

Fees,  account  of,  to  be  kept  by,  211. 

Fire  escapes,  certificates  as  to,  to  be  issued  by,  670. 

Fire  escapes,  change  of  location  or  construction  of,  not  to  be  made  without 

permission  of,  679. 

Fire  escapes,  may  be  built  in  alley  or  court  with  approval  of,  669. 
Fire  escapes,  not  to  be  changed  without  permission  of,  679. 
Fire  escapes  on  buildings  of  Class  VIII,  subject  to  approval  of,  508. 
Fire  escapes,  permit  for,  to  be  issued  by,  670. 
Fire  inspector  in  charge,  to  be  appointed  by,  222. 
Fire  inspectors  to  be  appointed  by,  223. 
Fireproof   construction,   power  of  commissioner  to   pass  on   questions   relating 

to,  621. 

Fire  walls  in  frame  buildings,  to  be  approved  by,  660. 
Floor  plan,  copy  of,  to  be  filed  with,  when,  237. 
Floors  in  fireproof  buildings,  subject  to  approval  of,  640. 
Frontage  adjacent,  consent  and  waiver  of  owner,  to  be  filed  with,  when,  613. 
Frontage  consents,  to  be  filed  with;  see  Frontage  Consents  (under  "Buildings"). 
Gasoline,  stored  under  alleys,  permit  to  be  approved  by,    (Section   1684,  Code 

of  191T). 

Hospital  building  board,  member  of,    (Section  1217,  Code  of  1911). 
Inspection  of  buildings  by,  237. 

Inspection  of  buildings  in  general  use  to  be  made  by,  201. 
Insulating  material  for  metal  chimneys  and  stacks  to  be  tested  und  approved 

by,  580. 

Iron  doors  in  dividing  walls,  releasing  arrangement  to  be  approved  by,  573. 
Ladder  fire  escapes,  location,  material  and  construction  of,  to  be  approved  by, 

670. 
Law,  Department  of,  shall  defend  suits  brought  against,  by  reason  of  acts  of, 

done  in  pursuance  of  ordinances,  200%. 
Liability  for  acts  of,  done  in  good  faith  in  pursuance  of  ordinances,  shall  not 

be  personal  to,  200%. 

License  for  Classes  IVb,  IVc,  and  V  buildings,  not  to  be  issued  without  cer- 
tificate of,  322,  349,  390,  423. 

.location  of  frame  school  buildings,  to  be  approved  by,  495. 
Member  of  department  of  'buildings,  199. 

New  tenement  house,  certificate  of  conformity,  to  be  issued  by,  when,  435. 
New  tenement  house  to  be  inspected  by;  notice  of  violation  to  be  given  by,  435. 
Not  to  engage  in  other  business,  200. 
Notice  of  insufficient  means  of  egress  in  buildings  of  Class  VI,  to  be  given 

by,  when,  473. 

Notice  of  repairs  required,  to  be  given  by,  201,  202,  237. 

Notice  to  owner  of  building  being  improperly  constructed,  to  be  given  by,  203. 
Notices  issued  by  department,  to  be  signed  by,  210. 
Office  of,  created,  200. 

Open  shelter  sheds  outside  fire  limits,  to  be  approved  by,  661. 
Owner  of  building  to  be  notified  when  alterations  required,  201,  237,  514.  . 
Owner  of  building  to  notify  before  making  changes  in,  514. 
Owner  of  building  to  permit  elevator  test  and  inspection  by,  689 
Paint  for  interior  frame  school  buildings,  to  be  approved  by,  495. 
Permits,  applications  for,  to  be  made  to,  230. 
Permits,   changing  roof  of  or  raising  existing   frame  buildings,   to   be   issued 

by,  656. 

Permits  for  alterations  in  new  tenements,  to  be  issued  by,  434. 
Permits  for  alteration  on  erection  of  buildings,  to  be  issued  by,  229. 
Permits  for  places  of  amusement  not  to  be  issued  until  certification  by/   (See 

ordinance  concerning  places  of  amusement,  page  188). 
Permits  for  roller  coasters',  scenic  railways,  etc.,  to  be  issued  by,  367. 
Permits  for  scaffold  and  temporary  floors,  may  be  revoked  by,  when,  606. 
Permits  for  stairway  fire  escapes,  to  be  issued  by,  670. 


202  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

-» 

• 

Buildings — Commissioner  of — 

Permits  for  street  obstructions,  may  be  issued  and  revoked  by,  615. 

Permits  for  temporary  seating  structures,  to  be  issued  by,  360. 

Permits  from  department,  to  be  signed  by,  210. 

Permits  may  be  reissued  or  reinstated  by,  when,  236. 

Permits  may  be  revoked  by,  when,  236. 

Permits  not  to  be  issued  by,  unless  building  or  structure  complies  with  ordi- 
nances, 230. 

Permits  not  to  issue  until  plans  are  approved  by,  231. 

Permits  permitting  encroachments  upon  streets  or  public  grounds  not  to  be 
issued  by,  until  notice  given  to  commissioner  of  public  works,  230. 

Placards  indicating  floor  strength  in  buildings  of  Class  I,  to  be  approved  by, 
251. 

Plans,  copies  of,  to  be  filed  with,  230. 

Plans  for  buildings  to  be  stamped  by,  when  approved,  230. 

Plans  for  living  rooms  to  be  constructed  in  existing  buildings,  to  be  filed 
with,  274. 

Plans  not  to  be  deviated  from  without  consent  of,  232. 

Plans  to  be  examined  and  approved  by,  212. 

Plat  of  lot  to  be  filed  with,  when,  436. 

Police  to  assist  commissioner  in  enforcing  provisions  of  building  ordinances, 
209. 

Power  final,  when,  208. 

Power  of  entry  of,  228,  283,  370. 

Power  to  close  buildings  of  Classes  IV  and  V,  284,  371. 

Power  to  close  buildings  when  fire-escape  notices  are  not  posted,  678. 

Power  to  pass  on  questions  arising  under  building  ordinances,  201. 

Power  to  pass  on  questions  relating  to  fire-proof  construction,   621. 

Power  to  stop  work  on  buildings  when  no  permit  has  been  issued  therefor,  239. 

Power  to  stop  work  on  buildings  done  contrary  to  approved  plans,  239. 

Power  to  tear  down  building  constructed  in  violation  of  ordinance,  203. 

Power  to  tear  down  unsafe  buildings  when  repairs  thereon  not  warranted,  202. 

Precautions  on  behalf  of  public  safety  to  be  taken  by,  201. 

Qualifications  of/ 200. 

Record  of  complaints  of  violations,  to  be  kept  by,  212. 

Record  showing  location  of  buildings,  to  be  kept  by,  212. 

Records  of  department  to  be  kept  by,  210. 

Reinforced  concrete  construction,  specifications  for,  to  be  filed  with,  545. 

Reinforced  concrete,  test  of,  to  be  made  to  satisfaction  of,  545,  556,  566. 

Repairs  to  be  made  by  owner,  may  require,  when,  202,  203. 

Report  to  mayor  of  violation  in  buildings  of  Class  V,  to  be  made  by,  372. 

Reports  of  building  inspectors,  to  be  made  to,  219. 

Reports  of  elevator  inspectors,  to  be  made  to,  221. 

Reports  of  fire  escape  inspectors,  to  be  made  to,  223. 

Revolving  doors  to  be  approved  by,  246. 

Right  of  entry  of,  228,  283,  370. 

Roller  coasters,  scenic  railways,  etc.,  to  be  inspected  by,  367. 

Roller  coasters,   scenic  railways,  etc.,  permit  for  to  be  issued  by,   when,   367. 

Roof  signs,  annual  inspection  of,  710. 

Roof  signs,  may  be  removed  by,  when,  710. 

Roof  signs,  plans  for,  to  be  approved  by,  710. 

Roofs  on  buildings  in  amusement  parks  to  be  approved  by,  364. 

Rules  and  regulations  for  department  to  be  made  by,  200%. 

Safety  devices  on  elevators  to  be  approved  by,  687. 

Salary  of,   (Section  1648,  Code  of  1911). 

School  buildings,  exits  in,  to  be  approved  by,  502. 

School  buildings,  fire  escapes  on,  to  be  subject  to  approval  of,  508. 

School  buildings,  frame,  location  of,  to  be  approved  by.  495. 

Secretary  of  department,  to  be  appointed  by,  224. 

Sidewalks,  temporary,  to  be  built  to  satisfaction  of,  609. 

Stairs,  not  to  be  changed  without  permission  of,  679. 

Stairway  fire  escapes,  location,  material  and  construction  of,  to  be  approved 
by,  670. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  203 

Buildings — Commissioner  of — 

Stairway  fire  escapes,  permit  for,  to  be  issued  and  fee  collected  by,  670. 

Stairway  fire  escapes,  plans  for,  to  be  filed  with  and  approved  by,  670. 

Stairway  fire  escapes,  to  be  inspected  and  certificate  issued  by,  when,  670. 

Stairways,  location  of,  to  be  approved  by,  668. 

Storage  of  oils,  permit  for,  to  be  issued  by,  693. 

Storage  of  oils,  plans  for  buildings  and  equipment  for,  to  be  approved  by,  691. 

Street  obstructions,  certificate  to  comptroller    for    refund    of    deposit,    to    be 

issued  by,  615. 

Street  obstructions,  permit  for,  to  be  issued  and  revoked  by,  615. 
Subordinate  officers  to  be  appointed  by,  200y2. 

Tanks  on  roofs,  plans  for,  to  be  submitted  to  and  approved  by,  571. 
Temporary  seating  structures,  permits  for,  to  be  issued  by,  360. 
Temporary  seating  structures  to  be  torn  down  by,  when,  360. 
Temporary  sidewalks  and  roofs  over  same  to  be  built  to  satisfaction  of,  609. 
Tests  of  safety  devices  on  elevators  to  be  made  by,  687. 
Theaters,  in  violation  of  ordinances,  to  be  reported  to  mayor  by,  372. 
Theaters,    license    for    not    to    issue    until    certification    by    commissioner    that 

building  complies  with  all  ordinances,  423. 

Unsafe  and  dangerous  buildings  to  be  torn  down  by,  when,  202. 
Urgent  cases,  decision  and  order  of,  to  be  final,  208. 
Wrecking  of  buildings  may  be  stopped  by,  when,  205. 
Wrecking  of  buildings  to  be  done  under  supervision  of,  235. 
BUILDINGS— ( See  also  "Buildings,  Commissioner  of"). 
General  provisions  relating  to,   199-727. 
Acetylene  gas:  buildings  for  compression  and  storage  of;   tanks  and  cylinders 

(See  Sections  1054  to   1057,  Code  of   1911). 
Air  in  tenements,  quantity  of  for  each  person,  447. 

Air,  quantity  of  required  in  buildings  of  Classes  IV,  V,  VII  and  VIII,  680. 
Aisles  in  department  stores,  487. 
Aisles  in  school  buildings,  50i. 

Aisles  in  theaters  and  places  of  amusement,  294,  311,  336,  359,  382,  384,  407,  409. 
Alcoves  in  buildings  of  Classes  III  and  VI,  275,  446. 
Allowable  stresses  and  special  requirements  for  masonry,  533. 
Allowable  stresses  and  special  requirements  for  metals,  541. 
Allowable  stresses  and  special  requirements  for  timber,  539. 
Allowable  stresses  for  foundations,  bearing  value  of  soils,  525. 
Alteration  of  buildings;    class  not  to  be  changed  unless  ordinances  are  com- 
plied with,  513. 

Alteration  of  buildings  must  be  in  accordance  with  ordinances,  512. 
Alteration  of  existing  buildings,  when  required,  514. 
Alteration  of  existing  tenements,  when  required,  473. 
Alterations  and  repairs,  permits,  fees,  229,  230,  231,  234. 
Alterations  on  stamped  plans  forbidden  without  permission,  232. 
Alterations,  when  may  be  made  without  permission,  232. 
Altered  buildings,  walls  of,  521. 
Amusement,  places  of  (See  ordinance  concerning,  page  188.) 

Regulations  concerning.     (Sections  721-727,  Code  of  1911.) 

Aisles,  exits,  etc.,  to  be  kept  free  from  obstructions    (Section  725,  Code 
of  1911). 

Arc  lights  on  stage,  subject  to  approval  of  city  electrician,    (Section  724, 
Code  of  1911). 

Diagram  of  seats  and  exits  to  be  printed  on  program  and  posted  at  box 
office  (Section  726,  Code  of  1911). 

Exit  doors  or  gates  not  to  be  locked;  obstruction  of,  prohibited,    (Section 
725,  Code  of  1911). 

Exit  signs  required,   (Section  723,  Code  of  1911). 
.    .     Gas  calcium  lights  prohibited,   (Section  724,  Code  of  1911). 

License  not  to  issue  for  until  certification  by  city  officials,    (Section  721, 
Code  of  1911). 

Lighting,  buildings  to  be  kept  lighted  during  performance,    (Section  722, 
Code  of  1911). 

Lighting,  independent  system  for  exits,   (Section  723,  Code  of  1911). 


204  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Amusement,  places  of — 

Lighting  system,    duty   of   city    electrician    and   fire   marshal    concerning, 

(Section  723,  Code  of  1911). 
Amusement  Parks — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  362-368. 

Buildings  in,  must  comply  with  all  ordinances,  368. 

Buildings  in,  structural  requirements    364. 

Class  IVd,  240,  280,  356. 

Frontage  consents  required.  363,  117. 

Open  space  required  between  buildings  in,  365. 

Permit  fee  and  certificate  of  inspection  for  mechanical  devices  in,  367. 

Hiding,  sliding  or  rolling  devices  in;   construction  and  height  of,  362. 

Standpipes,  fire  plugs  and  hose,  number  and  quantity  of,  in,  366. 
Annual  inspection  of  certain  buildings  to  be  made,  fee  for,  237. 
Annual  inspection  of;   changes  and  alterations  to  be  made  within  thirty  days 

after  notice,  237. 
Apartment,  definition  of,  432. 
Apartment  houses,  Class  VI,  240,  430. 
Application  for  permits,  230. 
Approved    plans,    departure   from,    without    consent   of    Commissioner,    to    void 

permits,  239. 
Arbitration,  206,  207. 

Architect  must  certify  that  plans  comply  with  structural  requirements  of  ordi- 
nances, 238. 

Architect  signing  plans  must  be  licensed,  231. 
Ash  and  rubbish  chutes  formed  by  walls,  584,  585. 
Ashlar  facing,  535. 

Assembly  halls,  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300. 

Assistant  building  inspector  in  charge,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  218. 
Assistant  engineer  in  charge,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  215. 
Asylums,  Class  He,  240,  254,  263. 
Athletic  fields,  Class  IVd,  240,  280,  356. 
Auxiliary  buildings  of  Class  IVb,  height  and  construction  of;   communicating 

doors,  302. 

Awnings,  construction  of  over  sidewalks    (See  Section  2317,  Code  of  1911). 
Bakeries   (See  Sections  145  to  158,  Code  of  1911). 
Balconies  for  fire  escapes,  construction  of,  673. 
Balcony,  definition  of,  309,  383,  408. 
Banquet  halls,  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300. 
Barns,  location  of,  where  prohibited,  616. 

Barns  having  a  ground  area  of  500  square  feet  or  over,  Class  I,  240,  243. 
Barns  having  a  ground  area  of  less  than  500  square  feet,  Class  III,  240,  270. 
Barns,  regulations  concerning,  616. 
Baseball  parks,  Class  IVd,  240,  280,  356. 
Basement,  additional,  construction  of,  600. 
Basement,  definition  of,  432,  599. 
Basement,  stairs  in,  number  and  width  of,  600. 

Bay  windows  and  light  shafts  in  buildings  of  Class  III,  materials  for,  277. 
Bay  windows,  courts  and  vent  shafts  in  new  tenements,  construction  of,  458. 
Bay  windows,  light  courts  and  shafts,  except  in  buildings  of  Class   III,   con- 
struction of,  603. 

Beams,   girders   and  trusses;    covering  of,    in   buildings   of   fireproof   construc- 
tion, 632. 

Billboards  and  signboards,  general  provisions  relating  to,  695-710. 
Block,  definition  of,  711. 

Boilers  and  furnaces,  size,  number,  location  of,  and  approval  of  plans  for,  589. 
Boilers,  furnaces,  etc.,  protection  of  floors  and  ceilings  around,   587,   588. 
Bond  of  assistants,  226. 

Bond   of  indemnity  on  account  of  building  operations,  233. 
Bond  of  indemnity  on  account  of  street  or  sidewalk  obstruction,  615. 
Bond  of  indemnity  on  account  of  wrecking  buildings,  235. 
Bricks,  how  laid,  538. 


BUILD l.\<;    OKDI NANCES.  20*3 

Buildings- 
Bricks,  soft;  where  not  permitted,  536. 
Brick   veneer  construction  on  frame  buildings,   654. 
Brickwork,  bonding  of,  537. 

Building  commissioner,  powers  and  duties  of,  200y2-212. 
Building  constructed  in  violation  of  ordinance  may  be  torn  down,  203. 
Building  damaged  more  than   one-half  its  original  value  not   to   be  repaired, 

exception,  472 %. 
Building  designed  to  be  used  for  store  purposes;    plat   must   be  filed  showing 

uses  to  which  all  other  property  in  same  block  is  devoted,  717%. 
Building  in  an  unsafe  or  dangerous  condition,  may  be  torn  down,  when,  201, 

202. 

Building  inspector  in  charge,  office  of,  created,  200;   duties  of,  217. 
Building  inspector,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  219. 
Buildings  in  general  use  to  be  inspected,  201,  237. 
Buildings  not  within  any  particular  class,  requirements  to  be  determined  by 

commissioner,  240. 
Building  or  structure  torn  down  by  fire  department,  cost  thereof  to  be  paid 

by  owner,  204. 
Building  operations  at  night  in  residential  districts,  noise  of  restricted.      (See 

ordinance,  page    193.) 
Building  permits,  229. 
Building  plans,  231. 

Buildings  to  be  constructed  in  conformity  with  ordinances,  512. 
Buildings  used  for  purposes  of  more  than  one  class,  safest  form  of  construc- 
tion to  be  used,  241. 
Buildings  used   for  the  sale,   storage   or   manufacture  of  merchandise,   except 

department  stores,  Class  I,  240,  243. 
Canopy,  plans  for,  to  be  approved  by  Commissioner*  of  Buildings  before  permit 

is  issued,  .601 ;  fee  for  permit,  601. 
Canopy,  advertising  matter  on,  prohibited,  601. 
Cast  iron  columns  when  prohibited  in  buildings,  541. 
Cast  iron,  stresses  and  strains,  541. 

Ceilings,  protection  of  around  boilers,  furnaces,  etc.,  588. 
Cellar,  construction  of,  600. 
Cellar,  definition  of,  432. 

Cement  finish  on  slabs,  beams  or  girders,  563. 
Cement  tests,  556. 

Certificate  of  annual  inspection  to  be  posted  at  main  entrance  of,  237. 
Charitable,  religious  or  educational  institutions  not  to  be  charged  fee  for  annual 

inspection  of,  237. 
Chimneys: —  . 

General  provisions  relating  to,  574-586. 

External,  location  and  materials  of,  582. 

Frame  buildings,  chimney  in,  659. 

Height  above  roof,  577. 

Inside  linings  of,  578. 

Insulating  material  for  metal  chimneys  and  metal  stacks,  580. 

Interior,  framing  around,  581. 

Interior,  metal  or  reinforced  concrete,  construction  of  in  fireproof  build- 
ings, 574. 

Interior,  metal;   construction  of  in  buildings  of  ordinary,  slow-burning  or 
mill  construction,  579. 

Interior,  walls  of,  574. 

Isolated,  583,  579. 

Reinforced  concrete,  how  built,  575,  574. 

Smoke  pipes  passing  through  partitions,  586. 

Tenement  and  apartment  house  boiler  chimneys,  576. 

Walls  forming  smoke  flues,  584. 
Churches,  Class  IVa,  240,  280,  287. 
Cinder  concrete  construction,  568. 
Cinder  concrete,  ingredients  of,  568. 


200  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

/ 

Buildings — 

Cinder  concrete,  when  considered  fireproof,  568. 

City  officials  empowered  to  enter  and  close,  283,  234,  370,  371,  511. 

Class  I: — 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  243-253. 

Allowance  for  live  loads  in  construction  of  floors,  252. 

Buildings  of  this  class  must  comply  with  general  and  special  provisions 
243%. 

Definition  of,  243,  240. 

Dividing  walls,  openings  in,  250. 

Dividing  walls,  when  required,  250. 

Door  openings  at  street  level,  aggregate  width  of,  246. 

Doors,  requirements  as  to,  246. 

Doors  when  open  not  to  project  over  sidewalk,  246. 
>-•  Elevator  buildings  to  be  of  fireproof  construction,  253. 

Fire  walls,  249. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used  with  reference  to  height,  244. 

Increasing  height  of  existing  buildings,  247. 

Live  loads  for  floors,  252. 

Partitions,  how  constructed,  249. 

Placards  indicating  floor  strength,  251. 

Revolving  doors,  246. 

Skeleton  steel  walls,  245. 

Stairs,  number  and  width  of.  607. 

Stairway  required  between  ceiling  and  roof,  when,  248. 

Walls,  construction  of,  245. 

Windows,  in  partitions,  249. 
Class  II:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  254-269. 

Allowance  for  live  loads  in  construction  of  floors,  255.   • 

Courts,  widths  and  areas  of,  256,  442. 

Definition  of,  254,  240. 

Doors,  when  required  to  be  of  metal,  construction  of,  572. 

Must  comply  with  general  and  special  provisions,  254%. 

Stairs,  number  and  width  of,  067. 

Vent  shafts,  widths  and  areas  of,  256. 

Ventilation  in,  256. 

Windows  and  mechanical  ventilation,  256. 

Windows  when  wired  glass  required,  construction  of,  572. 
Class  Ha: — 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  257,  258. 

Definition  of,  240.  254,  257. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used.  258. 
Class  lib:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  259-262. 

Definition  of,  259,  240,  254. 

Dividing  walls  or  partitions  to  separate  each  eight  rooms,  261. 

Elevators  and  stairs  to  be  enclosed,  261. 

Fire  stops,  261. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used,  260. 

Partitions    around    elevators    and    in    corridors    leading    to    elevators,    con- 
struction of,  261. 

Sleeping  stalls  in  lodging  or  rooming  houses,  when  allowed,  262. 
Class  lie:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  263-269. 

Coves  in  rooms  and  corridors  of  hospitals,  266. 

Definition  of,  263,  240,  254. 

Elevators  in  hospitals,  267. 

Fire  escapes,  balconies  and  platforms,  268. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used,  264. 

Frontage  consents  for  hospitals,  265    (and   Section   1219',   Code  of  1911). 

Standpipes  and  portable  hand-pumps,  269. 


BUILDING    ORDINANCES.  207 

Buildings — 

Class  111:  — 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  270-279. 

Alcoves,  275,  446. 

Allowance  of  live  loads  in  construction  of  floors.  273. 

Bay  windows  and  light  shafts,  materials  for,  277. 

Definition  of,  270,  240. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used,  271. 

Habitable  rooms,  definition  of,  274. 

Habitable  rooms,  requirements  as  to  size  and  ventilation,  274. 

Must  comply  with  general  and  special  provisions,  270^. 

Pantry,  bathroom,  water-closet,  ventilation  of,  276. 

Skylights,  272. 

Space  occupied  on  lot,  271,  440. 

Stairways  and  fire-escapes,  number  of,  in  buildings  three  stories  in  height 
hereafter  erected,  279. 

Ventilation  of  bathroom,   water-closet,  pantry,   etc.,   276. 

Walls;  brick  walls  upon  wooden  sills,  278. 

Walls;  how  constructed,  278. 
Class  IV:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  280-368. 

Building  used  for  theatrical  performances  not  to  be  constructed  or  altered 
except  in  conformity  with  ordinances,  282. 

Changing  from  Class  IV  to  Class  V,  429. 

City  officials  empowered  to  close,  284. 

City  officials  empowered  to  enter,  283.  I 

Definition  of,  280,  240. 

Doors,  when  required  to  be  of  metal,  construction  of,  572. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used,  286. 

Moving  picture  shows  prohibited  in   frame  building,  when,  285. 

Must  comply  with  general  and  special  provisions,  281. 

Scenery  and  stage  paraphernalia,  327. 

Seating  capacity  of  existing  theaters  not  to  be  changed,  327. 

Standpipes,  hose  and  sprinkler  heads  in  theaters,  327. 

Theatrical  and  vaudeville  performances  prohibited  in  frame  buildings,  285. 

Unlawful  to  operate  theater  that  does  not  conform  to  ordinances,  282. 

Ventilation,  quantity  of  air  required,  680. 

Windows,  when  wired  glass  required,  construction  of,  572. 
Class  IVa: — 

Special  provisions  relating  to.  287-299. 

Aisles  and  passageways  to  be  lighted  and  kept  free  from  obstructions,  294. 

Aisles,  width  of,  steps  in,  294. 

Allowance  for  live  loads  in  construction  of  floors,  292. 

Corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doorways,  width  of,  295. 

Definition  of,  240,  280,  287. 

Doors  to  open  outward  and  be  easily  opened  from  within,  297. 

Emergency  exits  and  stairways,  297. 

Entrances  and  exits,  width  of,  292. 

Exit  signs  and  lights,  299. 

Floor  levels,  291. 

Flues  to  carry  off  heat  from  open  lights,  299. 

Form  of  construction  _to  be  used,  290. 

Frontage  required  on  streets  or  alleys,  288.  289. 

Galleries,  exits  and  entrances,  293. 

Galleries,  number  of,  permitted,  293. 

Lighting,  299. 

Seating  capacity  of  buildings  in  which  seats  are  not  fixed,  how  computed, 
298. 

Seats;  number  of,  in  rows;  space  between  rows;  rise  in  banks  of,  296. 

Stairways,  width  of.  292. 
Class  IVb:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  300-329. 


208  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

Buildings- 
Class  IVb:— 

Aisles  and  passageways  to  be  lighted  and  kept  free  from  obstructions,  311. 

Aisles,  width  of,  steps  in,  311. 

Allowance  for  live  loads  in  construction  of  floors,  307. 

Auxiliary  buildings;  automatic  double  fire  doors,  302. 

Auxiliary  buildings;  height  and  form  of  .construction,  302. 

Balconies  and  galleries,  designation  of,  309. 

Balconies  and  galleries,  exits  and  entrances,  310. 

Banquet  halls  and  ball  rooms  may  be  located  on  any  floor,  when,  300. 

Buildings  used  for  exposition  or  exhibition  purposes  may  have  platforms, 

booths,  etc.,  constructed  of  combustible  materials,  when,  304. 
Capacity  of  room  to  be  determined  by  commissioner  of  buildings,  322. 
Certification  for  license,  322. 

Corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doorways,  width  of,  312. 
Cross  aisles,  311. 

Curtain;  construction,  inspection  and  fee,  317. 
Definition  of,  300,  240,  280. 

Doors  to  open  outward  arid  must  not  be  obstructed  by  draperies,  315. 
Dressing  rooms  to  be  properly  ventilated,  328. 

Dressing  rooms;  partitions  of  incombustible  material  required,  328. 
Ducts  and  shafts  conducting  heated  air,  how  constructed,  324. 
Emergency  exits  located  at  side  of  room,  cross  aisles  required,  311. 
Emergency  exits  and  stairways,  314. 
Exit  and  entrance  for  balcony  and  gallery,  310. 
Exit  signs,  size  of,  323. 
Exits;   signs  at  and  lighting  of,  323. 

Fire  apparatus  to  be  kept  in  manner  satisfactory  to  fire  marshal,  329. 
Fire  walls,  when  required,  303. 
Floor  levels,  306. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used,  304. 
Foot  lights,  border  lights,  wall  lights,  protection  of,  324. 
Frontage  required  on  streets  or  alleys,  301. 
Fuse  boxes,  321. 
Handrails  for  stairways,  308. 
Height  of  floor  levels  above  sidewalk,  306. 
License   for   amusement   not   to   be   issued    without   certification    by    city 

officials,  322. 

Lights  in  halls,  corridors  and  lobbies,  separate  shutoff  required,  324. 
Lights,  protection  of,  324. 

Metal  dampers  over  vents  and  flues,  how  controlled,  320. 
Movable  scenery,  definition  of,  325. 
Openings   in   proscenium   wall,   except    at   curtain,   shall   have    self-closing 

iron  doors,  317. 

Permanent  house  scenery,  definition  of,  327. 
Scenery,  amount  allowed,  327. 

Scenery  and  stage  paraphernalia  to  be  non-inflammable,  326,  327. 
Scenery,  definition  of,  325. 
Seating  capacity  of  buildings  in  which  seats  are  not  fixed,  how  computed, 

305. 

Seating  capacity  of  existing  theaters  not  to  be  increased,  327. 
Seats,  number  of,  in  rows;  space  between  rows;  rise  in  banks  of,  313. 
Separate  shut-off  for  lights,  324. 
Skating  rinks ;   main  floor  level,   306. 
Sprinkler  heads  under  stage  ceiling,  327. 

Stairway  fire  escapes,  location  and  construction  of,  314,  669,  670,  673. 
Stairways,  number  and  width  of,  308. 
Standpipes  and  hose  on  stage,  319. 
Standpipes,  hose  and  sprinkler  heads,  327. 
Structures  over  ceiling,   construction  of   supports,   318,   625. 
Vents  or  flue  pipes  over  stage,  320. 
Walls  between  auditorium  and  stage,  316. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  209 

Buildings — 

Class  IVc:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  330-355. 

Aisles,  passageways  and  exits  to  be  free  from  obstructions,  336. 

Aisles,  width  of,  336;   number  of,  332. 

Balconies,  number  permitted,  335. 

Capacity  of  room  to  be  determined  by  commissioner  of  buildings,  349 

Construction,  330,  331,  332. 

Corridors,  passageways  and  doorways,  width  of,  337,  311,  312. 

Cross  aisles,  336. 

Curtain,  material  and  construction  of,  342. 

Definition  of,  330,  240,  280. 

Doors  to  open  outward,  340. 

Dressing  room  partitions,  354. 

Emergency  exits  at  side,  cross  aisles  required,  336,  332. 

Exits,   number,   location    and   width   of,    339,    332. 

Exits,  signs  and  lights,  350. 

External   stairways,  construction  of,   334. 

Fire  apparatus  to  be  kept  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  fire  marshal,  352. 

Floor  levels,  height  above  sidewalk,  333. 

Form  of  construction  to  b«  used,  330,  331,  332. 

Frontage  consents  required  for  buildings  hereafter  constructed  or  used, 
355,  117. 

Frontage  upon  street  or  alley,  331. 

Fuse  boxes,  348. 

Galleries  not  permitted  in  non-fireproof  buildings,  335. 

Lights   in  halls,   corridors,   and  lobbies;    separate   shutoff   required,   351. 

Lights,  protection  of,  351. 

Metal  dampers,  how  controlled,  347. 

Moving  picture,  vaudeville  and  theatrical  shows  not  to  be  installed  in 
frame  buildings,  332. 

Openings  in  stage  wall,  except  at  curtain,  shall  have  self-closing  incom- 
bustible doors,  343. 

Picture  machine  booth;  construction  of,  345. 

Scenery,  requirements;  fireproofing,  353. 

Seats,  size  and  location  of,  338. 

Separate  shut-off  for  lights,  351. 

Shows  not  to  be  installed  underneath  living  or  sleeping  rooms,  332. 

Signs  and  lights  at  exits,  350. 

Stairways,  exterior,  construction  of;   hand-rails  required,  334. 

Standpipes  and  hose  on  stage,  346. 

Structure  over  ceiling  or  roof,  344. 

Trap  doors  or  other  openings  in  stage  floor  prohibited,  341. 

Vent  or  flue  pipes  over  stage,  347. 

Ventilation  of  dressing  rooms,  354. 

Walls  between  auditorium  and  stage,  341. 

Class  IVd:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  356-368. 
Aisles  in  grand  stands,  359. 
Allowance  for  live  loads,  357. 

Amusement  parks,  frontage  consents  required,  363,  117. 
Buildings  and  structures  in  amusement  parks  must  comply  with  all  ordi- 
nances, 368. 

Buildings  erected  in  amusement  parks,  requirements  of,  364. 
Definition  of,  356,  240,  280. 

Exits;  width  of;  not  to  be  locked;  kept  free  from  obstructions,  359. 
Grandstands,  allowance  for  live  loads,  357. 
Grandstands,  construction  of,  358. 

Grandstands  hereafter  erected,  frontage  consents  required,  358. 
Open   space  required   between  buildings  in  amusement   parks,   365. 
Roller  coaster  devices,  safety  requirements,  362. 
Roller  coaster,  etc.,  permit  required,  fee  for,  367. 


210  CITY   OF   CniCAQO 

Buildings — 

Class  IVd:  — 

Roller  coasters,  water  chutes,  etc.,  certificate  of  inspection  by  competent 
engineer  required,  367. 

Roofs  for  spectatorial  purposes  prohibited,  361. 

Scenic  railways,  etc.,  limited  to  55  feet  above  ground.  362. 

Seats,  number  of,  359. 

Seats,  temporary  for  shows,  outdoor  exhibitions,  etc.,  360. 

Standpipes,  fire  plugs  and  hose,  location,  number  and  quantity  of,  366. 

Temporary  seating  structures,  construction  of,  permit,  360. 
Class  V:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  369-429. 

Buildings  must  comply  with  general  and  special  provisions,  369%. 

Definition  of,  369,  240. 

Doors,  when  required  to  be  of  metal,  construction  of,  572. 

License,  for  place  of  amusement,  mayor  shall  revoke,  when,  372. 

Officers  empowered  to  close,  371. 

Officers  empowered  to  enter,  370. 

Ventilation,  quantity  of  air  required,  680. 

Windows,  when  wired  glass  required,  construction  of,  572. 
Class  V — BUILDINGS  Now  ix  EXISTENCE: — 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  373-400. 

Aisles,  corridors  and  passageways,  not  to  be  obstructed,  384. 

Aisles,  width  of,  384. 

Allowance  for  live  loads  in  construction  of  floors,  378. 

Alterations  or  changes  in,  construction  required,  375. 

Automatic  sprinklers,  location  of,  393. 

Capacity  of  rooms  to  be  determined  by  commissioner  of  buildings,  399. 

Corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doors,  width  of,  385. 

Cross  aisles  in  gallery,  382. 

Curtain,  construction 'of,  permit  for,  inspection  of,  fee,  389. 

Dampers,  how  controlled,  392. 

Doors  for  openings  between  connecting  buildings,  376. 

Doors  to  open  outward,  388. 

Dressing-room  partitions,  387. 

Dressing-rooms  to  be  properly  ventilated,  387. 

Ducts  and  shafts  for  conducting  heated  air  from  lights,  396. 

emergency  exits  and  stairways,  388. 

Entrance  and  exits,  379. 

Entrance  doors,  width  of,  386. 

Exit  signs  and  lights,  395. 

Fire  alarm  apparatus  required,  398. 

Fire  apparatus,  etc.,  under  control  of  fire  marshal,  397. 

Fire  apparatus,  kind  and  location  of,  394. 

Fire  escapes,  388. 

Floor  levels,  377. 

Floors  at  exits,  380. 

Foyer  shall  open  to  theatre  proper  only  through  exits,  382. 

Fuse  boxes,  392. 

Gravity  tanks,  394. 

Hot  air  furnaces  or  stoves,  use  of  prohibited,  394. 

Lighting,  395,  (and  Section  722,  Code  of  1911). 

Lighting  exits,  independent  system  for,  395,  723. 

Lights,  control  of,  protection  of,  396. 

Main  noor,  balcony,  gallery,  designation  of,  383. 

Mirrors    or   architectural   features   arranged   so   as   to   give   appearance   of 
exits  or  windows  prohibited,  386. 

Moving  picture,  vaudeville  and  theatrical  performances  prohibited  in  frame 
bunaings;  exception;  400. 

Passageways    leading    to   toilet    room,    etc.,    to    open    directly    to    an    outer 
exit,  385. 

Power  pumps,  394. 

Scenery,  390. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  211 

Buildings — 

Class  V. — BUILDINGS  Now  IN  EXISTENCE: — 
Seats,  381. 

Siamese  connections  for  fire  department  use,  393,  394. 
Stage,  construction  of,  390. 
Stage  lights,  396. 
Stairways,  379. 
Standpipes  and  hose,  394. 
Steps  in  aisles,  384. 
Tanks  for  sprinkler  system,  393. 
Tunnels  in  gallery,  382. 
Vents  and  flue  pipes,  392. 
Vestibules  for  stage  doors,  391. 

\\alls,  brick  proscenium  between  auditorium  and  stage,  389. 
Walls,  columns  in,  375. 
Walls    outside,    374,    519. 
Class *V — BUILDINGS  HEREAFTER  ERECTED: — 
Special  provisions  relating  to,  401-429. 
Aisles  and  passageways,  409. 
Allowance  for  live  loads,  404. 
Automatic  sprinklers,  417. 

Buildings  of  other  classes  built  in  conjunction  with  Class  V  must  be  tire- 
proof,  403. 

Capacity   of   room    to  be   determined  by   Commissioner   of   Buildings;    cer- 
tification of  city  officials  that  theater  complies  with  ordinances,  423. 
Changing  from  Class  IV  to  Class  V,  429. 
Corridors,  passageways,  hallways  and  doors,  410. 
Cross  aisles  in  gallery,  407. 

Curtain;  construction  of,  plans  for,  permit,  inspection  of,  fee,  412. 
Dampers,  how  controlled,  416. 

Doors  to  be  kept  unlocked.  405    (and  Section  725,  Code  of  1911). 
Doors  to  open  outward,  411. 
Dressing-room  partitions,  422. 
Dressing-rooms  to  be  properly  ventilated,  422 
Ducts  and  shafts  conducting  heated  air  from  lights,  425. 
Emergency  exits  and  stairs,  411. 
Entrance  doors,  width  of,  410. 
Entrances  and  exits,  405. 

Exit  doors  to  open  onto  public  thoroughfare  or  open  space,  402. 
Exit  signs  and  lights  required,  420,  723. 
Exterior  balconies  or  platforms  to  be  connected  with  stairway  fire  escapes, 

402. 

Fire  alarm  apparatus,  421. 
Fire  apparatus  on  stage,  418. 

Fire  apparatus  to  be  under  control  of  fire  marshal,  426. 
Fire  escapes.  411,  402. 

Fireproof  construction  required  for  all  buildings,  401%. 
Fireproof  passageways,  construction  of,  402. 
Floor  levels,  404. 
Floors  at  exits,  406. 

Foyer  to  open  to  auditorium  only  through  exits,  407. 
Frontage  on   street  or  alley  required,  402. 
Fuse  box,  416. 

Hot  air  furnaces  or  stoves,  use  of  prohibited,  419. 
Independent  lighting  system  for  exit  required,  420. 
License   for   operation  of  theater  not   to   issue   until   certification  by  city 

officials,  423. 

Lighting  equipment,   424. 
Lights,  control  of,  425. 

Main  floor,  balcony,  gallery,  designation   of,  408. 
Mirrors  and  architectural  features  having  appearance  of  exits  or  wmdowi 

prohibited,  410. 
Passageways,  steps  in  and  radiators  in,  402. 


212  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Class  V — BUILDINGS  HEREAFTER  ERECTED: — 

Principal  entrance  corridor  at  side  of  auditorium,  requirements,  402. 

Radiators  in  passageways,  402. 

Scenery  and  stage  paraphernalia,  413. 

Scenery,  definition  of,  427. 

Seats,  406. 

Siamese  steamer  connections  for  fire  department  use,  418. 

Stage,  construction  of,  413. 

Stage,  border  and  bracket  lights,  425. 

Stairways  from  the  stage  to  the  fly  gallery  and  gridiron  to  be  of  iron,  405. 

Stairways,  width  and  construction  of,  405. 

Structures  over  ceiling,  415. 

Tanks  for  sprinkler  system  and  standpipes,  417,  418. 

Telephonic  communication  between  box  office,  stage  and  fly  galleries  re- 
quired, 428. 

Tunnels  in  gallery,  407. 

Vents  and  flue  pipes,  416. 

yestibules  for  stage  doors,  414. 

Walls  in  fireproof  passageways,  402. 

Walls,    proscenium,    412. 
Class  VI:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  430-477%. 

Access  to  rooms,  otherwise  than  through  bedroom,  469. 

Air,  quantity  of,  for  each  person,  447. 

Alcoves  and  alcove  rooms,  446. 

Alley  or  yard  in  rear  of  building  required,  441. 

Alterations  in  existing  buildings  not  required,  exceptions,  473. 

Alterations  or  changes,  permits  for,  434. 

Altering  rooms  in  existing  buildings,  requirements,  475. 

Apartment,  definition  of,  430. 

Apartments  divided  by  masonry,  455. 

Attic  rooms,  445,  476. 

Basement,  definition  of,  432. 

Basement  or  cellar,  concrete  floor  required,  457. 

Basement  walls  to  be  of  masonry  or  concrete,  457. 

Bay  windows,  construction  of,  458. 

Buildings  damaged  by  fire,  repair  of,  472%. 

Bulkhead  in  roof,  when  required,  461. 

Catch  basins,  where  placed  and  how  covered,  472. 

Ceilings  of  entrance  halls,  453. 

Ceilings  over  stores,  456. 

Cellar,  definition  of,  432. 

Cellar  in  existing  building  may  be  used  for  living  rooms,  when,  477. 

Cellar  in  new  building  not  to  be  used  for  living  rooms,  449. 

Certificate  required  of  Commissioner  of  Health  that  new  building  complies 
with  provisions  relating  to  light,  ventilation,  plumbing  and  drain- 
age, 435. 

Concrete  floor  for  basement  or  cellar  required,  457. 

Conflict  with  other  sections  of  chapter,  provisions  of  Class  VI  to  govern 
with  respect  to  tenement  houses,  433. 

Corner  lot,  definition  of,  437. 

Court,  definition  of,  432. 

Courts  and  shafts  beginning  above  first  story,  walls  and  supports  of,  456. 

Courts,  minimum  width  and  area,  442. 

Damp-proofing  for  outside  walls,  457. 

Definition  of,  430,  240. 

Distance  between  buildings,  439. 

Entrance  halls,  453. 

Entrance  to  stairs,  465. 

Existing  buildings,  living  rooms  in  basement  or  cellar,  when  permitted,  477. 

Existing  buildings  not  required  to  be  changed,  exceptions,  473. 

Fire  escapes,  466,  467,  670. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  213 


Buildings — 

Class  VI:— 


fireproof  and  slow-burning  construction,  when  required,  450 

Flues  and  chimneys,  areas  of,  460. 

Frame  tenements  outside  of  fire   limits,  requirements    451 

Frame  tenements  within  the  fire  limits,  frame  additions  not 'permitted,  452 

I^rame  tenements  within  the  fire   limits,   removal   of  building  to  another 

position,  masonry  or  concrete,  foundation  required,  452. 
Habitable  rooms  in  basement,  when  permitted    449    452    477 
Height  of,  438. 
Inner  courts,  size  of,  442. 
Inspection  of  new  tenement  house,  435. 
Location  of  building  on  lot,  439. 
Lot  line  courts,  size  of,  442. 
Metal  lath  and  fire-resisting  plaster  to  be  used  in  buildings  of  ordinary 

construction,   455. 

New  rooms  or  halls  in  existing  buildings,  474,  475. 
New  tenement  house,  definition  of,  432. 
New  tenement  house,  when  to  be  occupied    435 
Nuisance,  when,  477^. 
Outer  courts,  size  of,  442. 

Percentage  of  area  of  lot  allowed  to  be  covered,  440 
Pipes  through  floors,  openings  to  be  sealed  tight,  472! 
Plat  of  lot  to  be  filed,  436 
Porches,  459. 

Public  halls,  definition  of,  432. 
Rooms,  sizes  and  height  of,  445. 
Scuttle  in  roof,  construction  of   461 
Shaft,  definition  of,  432. 

Shafts,  courts  and  yards  to  be  graded  and  drained,  468 
Sinks,  requirements,  471.  . 

Skylights,  dimensions  of,  444. 

Solid  masonry  required  in  entrance  halls,  when,  453. 
fepace  occupied  on  lot,  440. 
Stair  hall,  definition  of,  432. 

Stair  hall;  window  or  shaft  required  for  light  and  air,  444. 
Stairs  and   stair   halls   in  new  tenement  house  more  than   three   stories 

high,  construction  of,  454. 
Stairs;   entrance  to,  treads  and  risers,  465. 
Stairs  in  fireproof  buildings  containing  over  120  rooms    464. 
Stairs  in  non-fireproof  buildings  containing  over  80  rooms,  463 
Stairways  and  fire  escapes  to  be  free  from  obstructions,  467. 
Stairways,  width  and  construction  of,  462. 
Story,  definition  of,  430. 
Vent  shafts,   areas  of,  443. 
-    Ventilation,  448. 

Walls  of  bay  windows  and  courts  to  be  of  fireproof  construction,  458 

Walls  of  vent  shafts  to  be  of 'fireproof  construction,  458 

Water  closets,  windows  in,  artificial  light,  470. 

Well  holes,  dimensions  of,  444. 

Windows  in  new  buildings,  size  and  construction  of    448. 

Windows  in  public  stair  halls  of  new  buildings,  444. 

Windows  in  stair  halls  in  non-fireproof  buildings,  454. 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  478-491 

Aisles,  487.  . , 

Allowance  for  live  loads  in  construction  of  floors,  491. 

Buildings  must  comply  with  general  and  special  provisions,  478^. 

Courts,  484. 

Definition  of,  478,  240. 

Doors  at  street  level,  489. 

Doors  in  dividing  walls,  490. 

Door.«.  when  required  to  be  of  metal,  construction  of,  572. 

Exit  doors  between  floors  and  stair  halls,  width  of,  486. 


214  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Class  VII:  — 

Exit  signs  and  lights,  488. 

Fire  or  dividing  walls,  when  required,  482. 

Floor  areas,  481,  482. 

Form  of  construction  to  be  used,  479. 

Galleries,  483. 

Height  limited  to   twelve  stories  for  sale  of  goods  or  manufacturing,  ex- 
ception, 480. 

Illuminated  glass  signs  indicating  number  of  story  required,  486. 

Locker  and  dressing  rooms,  480. 

Occupation  of  basement  or  sub-basement,  480. 

Revolving  doors  not  considered  as  exits,  exception,  489. 

Stair  halls,  passageways  and  stair  aisles,  width  of,  486. 

Stairways,  480,  667. 

Stories  *  above  twelfth  floor  must  have  automatic  sprinklers   and  enclosed 
stairways,  480. 

Stories,  numbering  of,  485. 

Ventilation,  quantity  of  air  required,  680. 

Windows,  doors  or  other  openings  in  court  walls  shall  have  metal  frames 
sash  and  doors  with  wired  glass,  484. 

Windows,  when  wired  glass  required,  construction  of,  572. 

Class  VIII:— 

Special  provisions  relating  to,  492-511. 

Additions  to,  493. 

Aisles  in  assembly  halls  and  class  rooms,  501. 

Aisles  to  be  kept  clear  of  obstructions,  501. 

Alterations  in,  493. 

Assembly   halls,    limitations   as   to   seating   capacity   and   floor    level,   496 

Basement,  when  used  for  class  rooms,  506. 

Buildings  must  comply  with  general  and  special  provisions,  492%. 

City  officials  to  close  "buildings  for  violation  of  ordinances,  511. 

Construction  of,  493. 

Corridors,  width  of,  499. 

Definition  of,  492,  240. 

Doors  leading  to  fire  escapes,  width  and  construction  of,  508. 

Doors  to  open  outward,  500. 

Doors,  when  required  to  be  of  metal,  construction  of,  572. 

Doors,  width  of,  499. 

Emergency  exits,  502. 

Exit  doors  to  be  covered  with  metal  or  other  fireproof  material,  500. 

Exit  signs  and  lights,  503. 

Fire  drill,  510. 

Fire  escapes,  508. 

Fire  escapes  to  be  examined,  509. 

Fire  extinguishers,  505. 

Floor  levels,  496. 

Floors,  height  of,  how  measured.  496. 

Form  of  construction  required,  493. 

Height  of  stories,  507. 

Lights  in,  504. 

Portable  frame  buildings,  495. 

Scenery  not  to  be  used.  505. 

Seats  in  auditoriums,  number  of,  496. 

Skylights  and  windows,  areas  of  glass  in,  504. 

Sliding  curtains  in  assembly  halls,  505. 

Stairways,  railings  on  each  side,  497. 

Stairways,  when  required  to  be  fireproof,  498. 

Stairways,  width  of,  497. 

Ventilation,  quantity  of  air  required,  680. 

Walls  containing  window  openings,  distance  from -adjoining  lot  line,  49 

Windows  and  skylights,  areas  of  glass  in,  504. 
Classification  of  buildings,  240-242. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  215 

Buildings — 

Class  of  buildings  not  to  be  changed  without  conforming  to  ordinances,  513. 

Cleanliness    (see  "Health"). 

Club   houses   having   sleeping    accommodations   for    less   than    twenty    persons, 

Class  Ha,  240,  254,  257. 
Club    houses    having    sleeping    accommodations    for    twenty    or    more    persons, 

Class  lib,  240,  254,  259. 

Coffee  roasters,  protection  for  floor  around,  587. 

Cold  storage  houses,  additional  standpipes  not  required  in,    when,  675. 
Cold    storage    houses,    steamer    connections    and    sprinkler    systems    required, 

when,  675. 
Cold    storage    houses,    unlawful    to    use    until    ordinances    have    been    complied 

with,  675. 

Columns,  reinforced  concrete,  552. 

Concrete  and  structural  steel  columns,  allowance  for  load  on  concrete,  553. 
Concrete: — 

Cinder,  construction,  568. 

Construction    (see   "Fireproof   construction"). 

Mixing,  559. 

Placed  in  freezing  weather,  561. 

Placed  in  warm  weather,  562. 

Placing  of,  560. 

Quality  of  sand  to  be  used,  557. 

Stone  to  be  used,  558. 
Conflict  between  general   and   special   provisions,   special   provisions   to  govern 

except  in  case  of  Section  514,  242. 

Constructed  in  violation  of  ordinances,  may  be  torn  down,  203.  , 

Constructing   building  contrary   to   approved   plans   prohibited,    239. 
Construction  of,  may  be  stopped,  when,  205. 

Construction  requirements,  general  provisions  relating  to,  512-618. 
Corner  lot,  definition  of,  437. 
Cornices,  construction;    prohibitions,  591,  645. 

Corridors,  aisles,  exits,  etc.,  in  buildings  in  general  use,  to  be  inspected,  201. 
Cost  of  tearing  down  defective  or  dangerous  building  to  be  borne  by  owner, 

204. 

Coursed  rubble,  definition  of,  534. 
Court,  definition  of,  432. 
Courts  and  light  shafts  in  buildings,  construction,  walls,  doors  and  windows, 

602,  603.* 

Cupolas  of  foundries,  height  of,  590. 
Dance  halls,  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300. 
Dangerous  buildings,  cost  of  tearing  down,  204. 
Dead  load,  definition  of,  516. 
Definitions: — 

"Alcove",  446. 

"Apartment",  432. 

"Balcony",  309,  383,  408. 

"Basement",  432,  599. 

"Block",  711. 

"Cellar",  432. 

"Classes  of  buildings",  240. 

"Corner  lot",  437. 

"Coursed  rubble",  534. 

"Court",  432. 

"Dead  load",  516. 

"Fireproof  construction",  619. 

"Fireproof  material",  620.  , 

"First-class  masonry"'  534. 

"Gallery",  309,  383,  408. 

"Habitable  room",  274. 

"Inner  court",  432. 

"Lot  line  court",  432. 

"Main  aisles",  487. 


216  CITY  OF  CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Definitions — 

"Main  floor",  383,  408. 

''Mill  construction",  649. 

"Movable  scenery",  325,  427 

"New  tenement  house",  432. 

"Ordinary  construction",  652. 

"Ordinary  rubble",  534. 

"Outer  court",  432. 

"Permanent  house  scenery",  327. 

"Public  hall",   432. 

"Reinforced  concrete",  545. 

"Reinforced  hollow  tile \  567. 

"Scenery",  325,  427. 

"Second  gallery",  309,  383,  408. 

"Shaft",  432. 

"Skeleton  construction",  569. 

"Slow-burning  construction",   646. 

"Stair  hall",  432. 

"Story",  432. 

"Vent  shaft",  432. 

"Yard",  432. 

Department  established,   199. 

Deputy  Commissioner  of  Buildings,  office  of,  created    200;  appointment,  quali- 
fication and  duties  of,  213. 

Derricks,  use  of,  on  street  or  sidewalk  prohibited,  when,  612. 
,     Design  for  slabs,  beams  and  girders,  548. 
Detention  homes,  Class  He,  240,  254,  263. 
Dividing  walls,  requirements  as  to  doors,  573. 
Domes,  towers,  spires,  construction  of,  592. 
Doors,  fire-resisting  glass,  when  required,  572. 
Doors  in  buildings  in  general  use  to  be  inspected,  201. 
Doors  in  Classes  I,  II,  IV,  V,  VII,  and  VIII,  when   required  to  be  of  metal, 

construction  of,  572. 
Doors,  metal,  construction  of,  573. 
Doors,  metal,  swinging,  when  required,  572. 

Doors  or  other  openings  in  court  walls,  construction  of,  602,  603. 
Doors,  requirements,  when  placed  in  dividing  walls,  572. 
Door-sills,  incombustible  material  to  be  used,  exception,  59J*s 
Door-sills,  metal,  construction  of,  573.  • 

Door-sills,  oak  timber  regarded  as  incombustible,  when    597. 
Drains  and  sewers.     (Sections  780  to  795,  Code  of  1911.) 
Dry  cleaning:  building  requirements.    (Section  2854,  Code  of  1911,  as  amended 

November  20,  1911,  page  1752,  Journal  of  Proceedings  of  City  Council.) 
Duty  of  person  in  charge  of  building  operations  to  protect  all  floor  openings, 

606. 

Eaves,  construction  of,  591. 
Educational,  charitable  and  religious  institutions  to  be  exempt  from  payment 

of  fee  for  annual  inspection  of,  237. 
Electro-glazed  prism  glass,  when  to  be  used,  572. 
Elevator    buildings    required    to    be    of    fireproof    construction,    253. 
Elevator  inspector  in  charge,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  220. 
Elevator  inspector,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  221. 
Elevators: — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  681-690. 

Application  for  permit  for,  to  be  accompanied  by  plans,  681. 

Automatic  hatch  closers  or  doors  on  freight  elevators,  686. 

Basement  "'shafts,  inclosure  of;   doors  on,  683. 

Certificate  of  inspection  of,  689. 

Commissioner  of  buildings  may  close,  when,  202. 

Commissioner  of  buildings  to  stop  operation  of,  when,  690. 

Doors   in  shafts,   685. 

Doors  on,  permit  for,  681. 


BUILDING  ORDINANCES.  217 

Buildings — 

Elevators:  — 

Dumb  waiter  shafts  in  non-fireproof  buildings  hereafter  erected,  construction 
of,  684. 

Fee  for  permit  for  installation  or  alteration  of,  234. 

Fee  for  *semi-annual  inspection  of,  234. 

Freight  elevators,  inclosing  walls  of,  686. 

Freight  elevators,  semi-annual  inspection  of,  fee  for,  686. 

Hoists  and  elevators  for  moving  materials  or  tools  in  buildings  under  con- 
struction, 688. 

Hospitals,  elevators  in,  267. 

Inclosure  of  elevator  shafts  in  non-fireproof  buildings,  682. 

Inspection  of,  by  commissioner  of  buildings,  201. 

Inspection  of,  required  at  least  every  six  months,  686,  689. 

Inspector  to  report  unsafe  condition  of  to  commissioner  of  buildings,  690. 

Lights  in,  688. 

Owner  etc.,  of,  to  permit  inspection  and  test  of,  689. 

Permit  for  construction  or  alteration  of,  681. 

Persons  installing  iron  doors  on,  or  wire  work  around,  to  secure  permit, 
fee  for,  681. 

Pits,  683. 

Pits  and  shafts  below  street  level,  inclosure  of,  683. 

Plans  for  to  be  approved  by  commissioner  of  'buildings,  681. 

Safe  condition,  definition  of,  689. 

Safeguards  for,  688. 

Safety  devices,  test  of,  687,  689. 

Safety  devices,  when  not  required,  688. 

Tests  of,  689. 

Unlawful  to  alter  or  construct,  without  permit,  681. 

Unlawful  to  use  until  safety  devices  have  been  tested,  687. 

Use  of,   prohibited  when   in  unsafe  condition,  201,   690. 

Walls  around,  682. 

Statutory  provisions    (See  Appendix,  Code  of  1911,  page  1021). 
Employes  not  to  engage  in  other  business,  227. 
Engineer  in  charge,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  214. 
Engineering  staff,  duties  of,  216. 

Erected  in  violation  of  ordinances,  to  be  torn  down,  203. 

Excavated  material  and  rubbish  not  to  be  stored  on  streets  or  sidewalks,  611. 
Exits  in  buildings  in  general  use  to  be  inspected,  201. 
Expense  of  tearing  down  building,  structure,  or  wall  charged  against  owner, 

etc.,  202-204. 

Explosives,  buildings  for  storage  of   (Sections  1086  to  1088,  Code  of  1911). 
Fees  for  annual  inspection  of,  237. 

Fees  for  annual  inspection  of  not  to  be  charged  to  religious,  charitable  or  edu- 
cational institutions,  237. 

Fees  for  obstruction  of  street  or  sidewalk,  615. 
Fees  for  permits  and  inspections,  234. 
Fees  for  permits  for  canopies,  601. 

Fees  for  placards  indicating  floor  strength  in  buildings  of  Class  I,  251. 
Fees  for  water  used  in  building  operations,  233. 
Fences,  height  of,  709. 

Fire  alarm  system  in  grain  elevators,  malt  and  cold  storage  houses,  676. 
Fire  drill  in  department  stores  (Section  940,  Code  of  1911). 
Fire  drill  in  schools,  510. 

Fire  escape  inspector  in  charge,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  222. 
Fire  escape  inspector,  office  of,  created,  200;  duties  of,  223. 
Fire  Escapes  and  Standpipes: — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  669-679. 

Balconies,  construction  of,  673. 

Buildings  of  fireproof  construction,  number  of,  on,  669. 

Buildings  of  mill  or  slow-burning  construction,  number  of,  on  669. 

Buildings  of  ordinary  construction,  number  of,  on,  669. 

Class  I  buildings,  number,  location  and  construction  of  fire  escapes,  669. 


218  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Fire  Escapes  and  Standpipes:  — 

Class  II  buildings,  number,  location  and  construction  of  fire  escapes,  669. 
Class   He   buildings,  fire  escapes,   balconies   and   platforms,   width  of,   268. 

Class  He  buildings  hereafter  erected,  standpipes,  on,  260. 

Class  III  buildings,  number,  location  and  construction  of  fire  escapes,  669. 

Class  IVb  buildings,  standpipes  on  stage.  319.  327. 

Class  IVb  buildings,  stairway  fire  escapes,  314. 

Class  IVc  buildings,  standpipes  on  stage,  346. 

Class  IVd  buildings,  standpipes  in  amusement  parks,  366. 

Class  V  existing  buildings,  388,  394. 

Class  V  buildings  hereafter  erected,  411,  418. 

Class  VI  buildings,  four  or  more  stories  in  height,  fire  escapes  required,  466. 

Class  VI  buildings,  fire  escapes  to  be  free  from  obstructions,  467. 

Class  VI  buildings,  number,  location  and  construction  of  fire  escapes,  669. 

Class  VII  buildings,  number,  location  and  construction  of  fire  escapes,  669. 

Class  VIII  buildings,   fire  escapes  required,   508. 

Class  VIII  buildings,   fire  escapes  to  be  examined  by    engineer    or    jani- 
tor, 509. 

Closing  or  obstructing  of,  prohibited,  679. 

Complaints  as  to  the  condition  of,  to  be  investigated  by  commissioner  of 
buildings,  201. 

Doors  leading  to,  required  on  each  floor,  669. 

Exterior,  669. 

Fees  for  permit  for,  234,  670. 

Fire  escape  inspector  in  charge,  duties  of,  222. 

Fire  escape  inspectors,  duties  of,  223. 

Fireproof  bridge,  equivalent  to  fire  escape,  when,  669. 

Fireproof  buildings,  fire  escapes  on,  669. 

Fireproof  warehouse,  number  of,  on,  669, 

Height  of  counter-balance  stairway  or  ladder  fire  escape  above  ground,  668. 

Inspection  of,  201,  222,  223. 

Ladder  fire  escapes,  specifications  for,  672. 

Ladder  fire  escapes,  when  permitted,  671. 

Must  be  located  and  constructed  to  conform  to  building,  669. 

Obstruction  of  by  illuminated  signs  prohibited,    (Section  802,  Par.  68,  Code 
of  1911). 

Obstruction  of,  prohibited,  679. 

Position  or  construction  of,  not  to  be  changed  without  permission,  679. 

Siamese  connections,  677. 

Signs  indicating  location  of,  678. 

Sliding  fire  escapes,  except  on  schools,  width  of,  669. 

Sliding  fire  escapes  not  to  be  built  on  public  thoroughfares,   669. 

Sliding  fire  escapes  on  schools,  508. 

Stairway  fire  escapes,  construction,  location,  fees,  670. 

Standpipes    for    grain    elevators,    malt    houses    and    cold    storage    houses, 
675,  676.  • 

Standpipes,  when  required,  674. 
Fire  limits,  718. 

Firemen   (stage)   and  fire  guards  in  theatres    (see  ordinance,  page  190). 
Fireproof  Construction : — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  619-645. 
•Arches,  segmental  and  flat,  638. 

Beams,  girders  and  trusses,  how  to  be  covered,  632. 

Board   of   examiners    of,   number,   appointment,   qualifications  •  and   duties 
of,  621. 

Board  of  examiners  of,  records  of,  to  be  kept  by  commissioner  of  build- 
ings, 621. 

Brick  or  hollow  tile,  how  bedded,  628. 

Casings,  sash,  doors,  windows,  etc.,  in  walls  around  shafts,  630. 

Cement  concrete,  materials  of,  627,  628. 

Chimneys,  requirements,  574. 

Cinder  concrete,  materials  of,  568. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  219 

Buildings — 

Fireproof  Construction: — 

Cinder  concrete,  minimum  thickness  of,  568,  564. 

Cinder  concrete,  when  may  be  used,  568. 

Class  I  buildings,  244. 

Class  ITa  buildings,  2o8. 

Class  lib  buildings,  260. 

Class  He  buildings,  264. 

Class  HI  buildings,  271. 

Class  IVa  buildings,  290. 

Class  IVb  buildings,  304. 

Class  FVc  buildings,  structures  over  ceiling  or  roof,  344. 

Class  IVd  buildings,  358,  364. 

Class  V  buildings,  375,  401%. 

Class  VI  buildings,  450. 

Class  VII  buildings,  479. 

Class  VIII  buildings,  493. 

Columns,  clay  tile  covering,  how  secured,  626. 

Columns,  exterior  protection  of,  construction  and  material,  624. 

Columns,  interior,  covering  of,  requirements,  625. 

Columns,  lower  five  feet  to  be  incased  in  steel,  when,  626. 

Concrete,  how  mixed,  628. 

Concrete,  ingredients  of,  628. 

Conduits,  may  be  inserted  in  fireproofing,  when,  626. 

Cut-out  boxes,  chases,  etc.,  fireproof  covering  of,  637. 

Definition  of,  619. 

Domes,  when  required  to  be  of,  592. 

Examination  of  new  modes  of  fireproof  construction,  621. 

Fireproof  covering  for  exterior  and  interior  columns,  minimum  thickness 

of,  624,  625. 

Fireproof  covering  of  structural  members,  619. 
Fireproof  materials,  620. 
Fire-resisting  glass,  622. 
Fire  test  for,  621. 

Floors,  wood  flooring  and  wooden  nailing  strips,  when  allowed,  640. 
Girders,  beams  and  trusses,  how  covered,  632. 
Height  of  buildings  of,  how  measured,   598. 
Incombustible  material,  what  considered  as,  622. 
Iron  or  steel  plates  or  angles  for  support  of  wall,  636. 
Lattice  and  other  open  columns  to  be  filled  with  cement  concrete.  625. 
Lintels,  protection  of,  597. 
Mullions,  fireproofing  exterior  sides  of,  633. 

Partitions  in   buildings   of,   incombustible  materials   to  be  used,   641,   642. 
Partitions,  openings  in,  630,  642. 

Pipes  or  conduits  may  rest  on  steel  beams,  when,  629. 
Pipes,  to  be  enclosed  in  fireproofing,  exception,  629. 
Proposed  new  modes  of,  how  examined,  621. 
Reinforced  concrete  construction,  564. 
Reinforced  concrete,  when  considered  fireproof,  619. 
i          Reinforced  terra  cotta  tile,  use  of  in,  567. 
Roofs;   material,  construction  of,  596. 
Scaffolds  during  construction  or  alteration,  606. 
Segmental  and  flat  arches,  638, 
Shafts,  etc.,  dimensions  and  materials  of,  630. 
Shafts  for  pipes,  etc.,  from  floor  to  floor,  fireproof  enclosure  for,  may  be 

omitted,  when,  630. 

Shafts  for  pipes,  etc.,  from  floor  to  floor,  when  and  how  built,  630. 
Shafts,  partitions  around,  641. 
Sheet  metal  work,  support  of,  645. 
Skeleton  construction,  569. 

Spandrel  beams,  girders,  lintels,  fireproofing  of,  631. 
fSpires,  when  required  to  be  of,  592. 
Stairs  in  fireproof  buildings,  643. 


220  CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Fireproof  Construction:  — 

Stairs,  number  and  width  of,  in  buildings  of,  667. 

Steel  plates  for  support  of  wall,  636. 

Sub-basements,  required  to  be  of,  600. 

Temporary  floors  during  construction  or  alteration,  606. 

Tests  for,  621. 

Tile,  reinforced  terra  cotta,  567. 

Towers,  when  required  to  be  of,  592. 

Trusses,  covering  of,  632. 

Walls,  enclosing,  in  skeleton  construction,  requirements,  623 

Walls,  fireproof  covering  of,  635. 

Walls,  iron  or  steel  plates  for  support  of,  636. 

Walls,  support  of,  635,  636. 

Walls,  thickness  of  in,  519. 
Fireproof  concrete  construction,  564. 
Fireproof,  height  of,  598. 
Fire  walls,  524,  660,  249,  303. 
First-class  masonry,  definition  of,  534. 
Floor  areas,  computation  of,  250,  445,  481,  482. 

Floor  levels  in  buildings  of  Classes  IV,  V  and  VIII,  291,  306,  333,  377,  404,  496. 
Floor  openings,  protection  of,  606. 

Floor  plan  to  be  furnished  for  building  to  be  inspected,  237. 
Floors   between  basements,  construction  of,   600. 
Floors  between  basements,  openings  in  for  pipes,  conduits,  etc.,  600. 
Floors,  construction  of  around  boilers,  furnaces,  etc.,  587. 
Floors,  strength  of,  in  buildings  in  general  use  to  be  inspected,  201. 
Floors,  strength  of,  in  buildings  of  Class  I,  display  of  placard,  251. 
Floors,  temporary  during  building  operations,  606. 

Foundations: — 

Concrete,  531. 

Construction  of,  528. 

Depth,  regulations  as  to,  527. 

Formula  for  safe  load  on  wooden  piles,  530. 

Forbidden,  where,  527. 

Loads  for  various  soils,  525. 

New  and  old  walls,  529. 

Not  to  be  supported  by  any  underground  construction  of  city,  527. 

Rubble  stone,  528. 

Steel  rails  or  beams  in  concrete,  532. 

Wet  soil,  trenches  to  be  drained,  526. 

Wooden  pile,  530. 
Frame  Buildings: — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  653-665. 

Basement  placed  beneath  658,  452. 

Brick    veneer    construction,    654. 

Chimneys  in,  659,  584. 

Coal,  brick,   stone,   cement  and   salt  sheds   and   sheds  for   icing  cars,  con- 
struction of,  frontage  consents,  662. 

Damaged,  when  repairs  allowed,  653. 

Dimensions  of  and  location  of,  on  lot,  660. 

Distance  of,  from  lot  lines,  660.     , 

Fire  walls,  when  required,  660. 

Flues  through  partitions  in,  659. 

Frame  additions  to  tenements  within  fire  limits  not  permitted,  452. 

Grandstands,  frontage  consents  required,  358. 

Height  of,  592y2,  654,  718. 

Height  of,  how  measured,  598. 

Inside  fire  limits,  altered  or  enlarged,  653. 

Inside  fire  limits  changed  into  flat  buildings,  655. 

Inside  fire  limits,  fire  walls,  when  required,  655. 

Moving  of,  frontage  consents,  714. 


BUILDING  ORDINANCES.  221 

Buildings — 

Frame   Buildings:  — 

Moving  picture  shows  and  theatrical  performances  prohibited  in;  excep- 
tion; 285,  332,  400. 

Xew  frame  tenement  houses,  outside  of  fire  limits,  451. 

Open  shelter  sheds,  construction  of,  661. 

Open  shelter  sheds  for  coal,  brick,  etc.,  along  railroad  tracks  and  navigable 
streams,  662. 

Open  shelter  sheds,  frontage  consents,  when  required,  662. 

Open  shelter  sheds',  location  of  on  lot,  661. 

Outside  fire  limits,  height  and  use  of,  654. 

Permit  for  changing  roof  of,  656. 

Permit  for  moving,  714. 

Permit  for  raising  or  altering,  656. 

Portable  frame  buildings  for  purposes  of  Class  VIII,  495. 

Prohibited,  where,  654. 

Raising  and  altering,  653,  656. 

Removal  of,  on  same  lot,  when  permitted;  may  be  set  on  wooden  posts, 
when;  basement  occupied  for  habitable  purposes,  452,  477. 

Removal  of:  how  reconstructed,  515. 

Repairing  within  fire  limits,  when  permitted,  653. 

Roofs,  changing  form  of,  656. 

Roofs,  shingles  permitted  to  be  used,  when,  596. 

Sheds  at  fire  stations  for  storing  fuel  and  supply  wagons,  661. 

When  may  be  carried  to  uniform  height,  657. 
Frontage  adjacent,  how  occupied  for  building  purposes,  613. 
Frontage  adjacent,  consent  and  waiver  of  adjacent  owners  to  be  filed  with  com- 
missioner before  permit  issues  to  occupy  street  or  sidewalk,  613. 
Frontage  consents — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  711-717. 

Amusement  parks,  363,  117. 

Amusements,  715,   117. 

Billboards,  707. 

Blacksmith  shops,  712. 

"Block"  defined,  711. 

Brick  sheds,  662. 

Cement  sheds,  662. 

Coal  sheds,  662. 

Factory  combined  with  foundry,  712. 

Foundries,  712: 

Frame  buildings,  removal  of,  714. 

Frontage  adjacent,  613. 

Garages.  (See  ordinance,  page  193;  see,  also,  ordinance  passed  July  17, 
1911,  licensing  and  regulating  garages,  pages  962-3,  Journal  of  the 
Proceedings  of  the  City  Council). 

Gasoline,  tanks  for  storage  of,  693. 

Gas  reservoirs,  712. 

Grandstands,   358. 

Hospitals,  265,   (and  Section  1219,  Code  of  1911). 

Ice-making  houses  and  cooling  plants,  frontage  consents  required,  when. 
(See  ordinance  concerning,  page  196). 

Ice  sheds,  662. 

Laundry  to  be  run  by  machinery,  71 1. 

(Livery  stables,  712. 

Lumber  yards,  664,  310. 

Machine  shops,  712. 

Machine  shop  combined  with  a  foundry,  712. 
Medical  dispensaries,  712. 

Occupation  of  streets  for  building  purposes,  613. 
Open  shelter  sheds,  662. 

Packing  houses,  712. 

Provisional  fire  limits,  erection  of  frame  buildings,  718. 

Reformatories  and  sheltering  institutions,  713. 


CITY   OF   CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Frontage  consents: — 

Removal  of  store  buildings  into  residence  blocks,  "14. 

Rendering  plants,  712. 

Retail  stores,  7 12%.  717l/2. 

Salt  sheds,  662. 

Second-hand  stores,  712. 

Shavings,  sawdust  and  excelsior,  storage  of,  717. 

Sheds  for  icing  cars,  662. 

Smoke-houses,   712. 

Soap  factories,  712. 

Stone  sheds,  662. 

Stores  for  sale  of  merchandise  at  retail,  712%.  , 

Tanneries,  712. 

Undertakers,   (Section  1238,  Code  of  1911). 
Furnaces,  boilers,  etc.,  coverings  of,  588. 
Furnaces,  "boilers,  etc.,  protection  of  ceilings  around,  588. 
Furnaces,  boilers,  etc.,  protection  of  floors  around,  587. 
Gallery,  definition  of,  309,  383,  408. 

Garages  having  a  ground  area  of  500  square  feet  or  over,  Class  I,  240,  243. 
Garages  having  a  ground  area  of  less  than  500  square  feet,  Class  III,  240.  270. 
Garages  having  a  ground  area  of  400  square  feet  or  less,  construction  of.  271. 
Garages,  frontage  consents  for.    (See  ordinance,  page  193). 
Garages  not  to  be  built  within  200  feet  of  churches,  hospitals  or  schools  or 

the  grounds  thereof.  (See  ordinance,  page  193). 
Gasoline,  tanks  for  storage  of;  frontage  consents  required.  093. 
Gas  reservoir,  frontage  consents  for,  712. 

Gas  reservoir,  not  to  be  placed  within  500  feet  of  public  school,  618. 
General  construction  requirements,  512-618  and  722. 
General  provisions,  conflict  with  special  provisions,  242. 
Girders,  allowable  compression  and  calculation  of  flanges,  544. 
Grain  elevators,  additional  standpipes  not  required  in,  when,  676. 
Grain  elevators,  unlawful  to  use  until  ordinances  have  been  complied  with,  676. 
Grain    elevators,    when    steamer    connections    and    sprinkler    system    are    re- 
quired, 675. 

Grandstands,  Class  IVd,  240,  280,  356. 
Grandstands,  construction  of,  358. 
Grandstands,  frontage  consents  required,  358. 
Gutters,  construction  of,  prohibitions,  591. 
Habitable  room,  definition  of,  274. 
Halls,  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300. 

Halls  used  for  theatrical  purposes,  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300. 
Height  of  assembly  hall  floors  in  buildings  of  Class  VIII,  how  measured,  496. 
Height  of  buildings,  of  frame  or  mill  construction,  592^,  054,  718. 
Height  of,  how  measured,  598. 
Height  of,  limitations,  598. 
Height  of  new  tenement  houses,  438. 

Hospitals  for  sick,  infirm,  imbeciles  or  children,  Class  He,  240,  254,  263. 
Hospital  Building  Board.      (Section   1217,  Code  of   1911.) 
Hospitals:  accommodations  for  patients;  sanitary  requirements.     (Section  1218, 

Code  of  1911.) 

Hospitals,  frontage  consents  for.     (Section  1219,  Code  of  1911.) 
Hospitals;   not  to  be  located  within  400  feet  of  schools.     (Section  1220,  Code 

of  1911.) 

Hotels,  Class  lib,  240,  254,  259. 
Houses  of  correction,  Class  He,  240,  254,  263. 
Housemovers,  (Sections  2117  to  2127,  Code  of  1911.) 
Ice-making  houses  and  cooling  plants;    frontage  consents,  when   required.    (See 

ordinance   concerning,  page   190). 
Inner  court,  definition  of,  432. 
Inspection  of  buildings  in  general  use,  201. 
Inspection  of  certain  buildings  required  annually,  237. 
Iron  stresses  and  strains,  541. 


BUILDING   ORDINANCES.  223 

Buildings — 

Jail8,  Class  He,  240,  254,  263. 

Ledges  and  joist  supports,  520. 

License    for    amusements    in    buildings    of   Class    IVb    and   Class   V,    hereafter 

erected,    not   to    be    issued    unless    place    is    certified    to   by    city    officials, 

322,  423. 

Light  shafts,  construction  of,  277,  602,  603. 
Lights  in  halls  of  tenements  (Section  1422,  Code  of  1911). 
Lights  to  be  maintained  at  night  on  material  piled  in  street  or  alley,  614. 
Lintels,  to  be  of  incombustible  material,  exception,  597. 
Live  and  dead  loads  on  walls,  piers  and  columns,  518. 
Live  and  dead  loads,  wind  resistance,  516. 
Live  and  dead  loads,  wind  stress,  542. 

Live  stock,  viaducts  or  runways  for  transferring,  construction,  height,  592a. 
Loads,  allowable  for  masonry  and  concrete,  533. 
Loads,  allowable  for  metals,  541. 
Loads,  allowable  for  timber,  539. 
Loads  for  various  soils,  525. 
Lodge  halls,  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300. 
Lodging-  houses  having  accommodations  for  20  or  more  persons.  Class  lib,  240, 

254,  259. 

Lodging  houses.      (See  "Tenements  and  Lodging  Houses,"  Code  of  1911). 
Lot  line  court,  definition  of,  432. 
Lumber,  storage  of  in  residence  districts,  665. 
Lumber  yards,  frontage  consents  for,  664.  310. 
Main  floor,  definition  of,  383,  408. 

Malt  houses,  additional  standpipes  not  required  in,  when,  675. 
Malt  houses,  steamer  connections  and  sprinkler  system  required,  when,  675. 
Malt  houses,  unlawful  to  use  until  ordinances  have  been  complied  with,  675. 
MASOXRY:  — 

Allowable  stresses  and  special  requirements  for,  533. 

Ashlar  facing,  535. 

Bricks,  how  laid,  538. 

Brick  work,  bonding  of,  537. 

Coursed  rubble  defined,  534. 

Definition  of,  534. 

First-class  masonry  defined,  534. 

Loads  allowable  on.  533. 

Ordinary  rubble  defined,  534. 

Soft  bricks,  where  not  permitted,  536. 

Medical  dispensaries,  frontage  consents,  when  required.  712. 
Metals,  allowable  stresses  and  special  requirements,  541, 
MILL  CONSTRUCTION  :  — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  649-651. 

Cellars   in  buildings   of,   600. 

Chimneys,  metal,  in  buildings  of,  579. 

Cinder   concrete,   construction   may   be   substituted   for   mill   construction, 
when,  568. 

Class  I,  244. 

Class  Ha,  258. 

Class  lie,  264. 

Class  III,  271. 

Class  IVa,  290. 

Class  IVb,  304. 

Class  VII,  479. 

Definition  of,  649. 

Fire  escapes  on  buildings,  669,  670. 

Fireproofing  of  iron  columns,  girders  or  beams,  650. 

Floor  levels  in  Class  VIII,  buildings  of,  496. 

Height  of  structures  of,  inside  and  outside  of  fire  limits,  592*6. 

Partitions  in  buildings  of,  to  be  of  incombustible  material,  650. 

Requirements  of,  649. 


224  CITY  OF   CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Stairs,  construction  of,  in  buildings  where  automatic  sprinkler  system  is 
used,  651. 

Stairs,  number  and  width  of,  in  buildings  of,  667. 

Wooden  girders   and  joists,   sectional   area  of,,  in  buildings   of,   649. 
Movable  scenery,  definition  of,  325,  427. 
Moving  picture  machine  booth,  construction  of,  345. 

Moving  picture  shows  prohibited  in  frame  buildings;  exception;  285,  332,  400. 
Moving  picture  shows  with   seating  capacity   of   300  or  less,   Class   IVc,   240, 

280,  330. 

Moving  picture  theater  in  amusement  park,  364. 
New  tenement  house  defined,  432. 
Noise  of  building  operations   at  night   in   residential   districts   restricted    (see 

ordinance,  page  193. 

Notice  to  owner  of  unsafe  condition,  201-203. 
Nuisance.      (See  "Health"). 
Nuisance,  when  buildings  declared  to  be,  719,  477%    (and  Section   1408,  Code 

of  1911). 

Office  buildings,  Class  Ila,  240,  254,  257. 
Officers  of  ^department,  199. 
Oil  Inspector.      (See  "Oils"). 
Oils:— 

General  provisions  relating  to,  691-694,  (and  Sections  1673-1692.  Code 
of  1911). 

Buildings  for  storage  of,  construction  of,  691. 

Buildings   for   storage  of,  erection  hereafter  prohibited,  when,   691. 

Buildings  for  storage  of,  not  to  be  erected  within  300  feet  of  building 
used  for  purpose  of  residence,  691. 

Electric  switches  or  cutouts,  location  of,  692. 

Inspection  of  buildings,  premises  and  equipments,  to  be  made  annually  by 
fire  marshal,  694%. 

Installation  of  tanks  subject  to  approval  of  fire  marshal,  693. 

Oil  inspector,  appointment  and  bond  of,    (Section  1673,  Code  of  1911). 

Open  flame  or  electric  switch  prohibited  within  fifteen  feet  of  any  re- 
ceptacle containing,  692. 

Permit  for  tanks  required,  fee,  693. 

Permit  for  tanks  for  storage  of,  to  be  issued  by  commissioner  of  build- 
ings, 693. 

Permit  for  tanks  may  be  revoked  by  mayor,  when,  691*. 

Permit  for  tanks  to  be  approved  by  fire  marshal,  693. 

Pressure  tanks  used  in  connection  with  lighting  systems,  specifications  for, 
location  of,  693. 

Safety  cans  containing  less  than  ten  gallons,  construction  of,  692. 

Sealed  portable  filling  tanks  used  in  garages,  specifications  for,  693. 

Storage  of  gasoline  under  alleys,    (Sections  1683  to  1692,  Code  of  1911). 

Tanks  for  storage  of,  underneath  buildings,  not  to  exceed  three  hundred 
gallons,  construction  of,  693. 

Tanks,  hydraulically  operated;  construction  of,  693. 

Tanks  for  underground  storage  of,  specifications  for,  location  of,  693. 

Tanks  used  in  connection  with  engine,  gas  producers,  furnaces,  etc.,  loca- 
tion, capacity  and  requirements,  694. 

Tanks  for  storage  of  oils  used  in  business  of  dry-cleaning  (Section  2855, 
Code  of  1911,  as  amended  July  6,  1911,  page  699,  Journal  of  Pro- 
ceedings of  City  Council.) 

Unlawful  to  store  more  than  ten  gallons  in  any  building,  exception,  692. 
Old  people's  homes,  Class  He,  240,  254,  263. 

Openings  inserted  in  dividing  walls,  requirements  as  to  doors,  573. 
ORDINARY  CONSTRUCTION: — 

Class  I,  244. 

Class  Ila,  258. 

Class  lib,  260,  261. 

Class  He,  264. 


BUILDlNJi    ORDINANCES.  225 

Buildings— 

ORDINARY  CONSTRUCTION  :  — 
Class  III,  271. 
Class  IVa,  290. 
Class  IVc,  332. 
Class  VI,  455. 
Class  VII,  479. 
Class  VIII,  493. 
Definition  of,  652. 

Fire  escapes  on  buildings  of,  069,  670. 
Height  of  buildings,  how  measured,  598. 
Ordinary  rubble  defined,  534. 
Oriel  windows,  construction  of,  277. 
Outer  court,  defined,  432. 
Ovens,  protection  of  floors  around,  587. 
Owners  to  be  notified  by  commissioner,  of  repairs  or  alterations  to  be  made, 

201,  202. 

Parapet  walls,  when  required  on  walls  and  porches,  524. 
Parish  halls,  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300. 
Party  walls,  522. 

Passageways  in  buildings  in  general  use  to  be  inspected,  201. 
Permanent  house  scenery  defined,  327. 

Permits  and  plans  to  be  kept  on  job  while  work  progresses,  230. 
Permits,  application  for,  230. 
Permits,  fee  for,  234. 

Permits  for  street  and  sidewalk  obstructions,  615. 
Permits  for  wrecking  buildings,  235. 
Permits  good  for  six  months;  extension  of  time,  229. 
Permits  must  be  secured  before  work  is  begun,  239. 

Permits  to  be  rendered  void  by  departure  from  approved  plans  without  con- 
sent of  Commissioner,  239. 

Permits,  plans  and  fees,  general  provisions  relating  to,  229-239. 
Permits  required  for  erection,  enlargement,  alteration,  repair  or  removal  of,  229. 
Permits,  revocation  of,  236. 
Permits,  when  revoked,  building  and  site  to  be  put  in  proper  condition  before 

permit  is  reissued  or  reinstated,  236. 
Pin-connected,  riveted  tension  members,  543. 
Pipes  from  roof,  construction;   prohibitions,  591. 
Placards  indicating  floor '  strength  in  buildings  of  Class  I,  251. 
Plans;  alterations  upon  stamped  plans  forbidden  without  permission,  232. 
Plans  and  specifications  to  be  filed  with  application  for  permit,  230. 
Plans;    architects  must  certify  that  they  comply  with  structural  features  re- 
quired by  ordinances,  238. 
Plans,  essentials  of,  231. 

Plans  to  be  approved  by  city  officials  before  permit  issues,  230. 
Plans  to  be  filed  with  commissioner  of,  230. 
Plans  to  be  signed  and  sealed  by  licensed  architect,  231. 
Plans  to  remain  on  file  for  six  months  after  occupation  of  building,  230. 
Plastering  on  wood  lathing,  605. 
Plate  girders,  allowable  compression  in  flanges,  544. 
Plate  girders,  calculation  of  flanges,  544. 
Police  stations,  Class  He,  240,  254,  263,  264. 
Porches,  Class  VI,  buildings,  459. 
Porches  or  steps  not  to  project  over  street  or  sidewalk,    (Section  2316.  Code 

of  1911). 

Porches,  verandas  and  porticos,  construction  of,  within  fire  limits.  570. 
Power  of  entry  of  officers,  228,  283,  370.  , 

Power  of  officers  to  close,  284,  371,  511. 
Public  hall  defined,  432. 

Red  lights  to  be  displayed  on  building  material   in   streets,  614    (and  Section 
2464,  Code  of  1911). 


22G  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

REINFORCED  CONCRETE: — 

Adhesion,  bond,  deformed  bars,  547. 

Columns,  552. 

Curtain  walls  in  skeleton  construction  buildings,  554. 

Definition  of,  545. 

Limiting  width  of  flanges  in  "T"  beams.  550. 

Load  tests,  566. 

Moments  of  external  force  for  slabs,  beams  and  girders.   549. 

Plans  and  specifications  for  work  to  be  approved  by  commissioner  before 
permit  issues,  545. 

Removal  of  forms,  565. 

Shrinkage  and  thermal  stresses,  551. 

Slabs,  beams  and  girders,  designs  for,  548. 

Steel,  bending  and  elongation  of,  555. 
i  Table  of  ratio  of  moduli  of  elasticity,  546. 

Unit  stresses  for  steel  and  concrete,  when  considered  fireproof,  564. 
Reinforced  terra  cotta  hollow  tile,  567. 
Religious,    charitable    or    educational    institutions    not    to   be    charged    fee    for 

annual  inspection  of,  237. 

Removal  of  brick,  stone  or  concrete  building  from  one  location  to  another,'' 5 15. 
Removal  of  frame  building  on  same  lot,  452. 
Removal  of  frame  buildings,  how  reconstructed,  51o. 
Removal  of  store  building  into  residence  block,  frontage  consents  required  for, 

714. 

Repairs,  fee  for  permit,  234. 
Repairs,  may  be  required,  when,  201,  202. 
Residences,  Class  III,  240,  270. 
Revocation  of  permits,  236. 
Rivet  holes,  tension  members,  543. 
Rivets,  diameter  of  holes,  543. 

Roller  coaster  devices,  362.     (See  also  "Amusements"). 
Roof  houses,  for  elevators,  tanks,  skylights,  stairs  or  scuttles,  may  be  built 

above  the  height  of  main  roof,  598. 
Roof  signs,  710. 
ROOFS: — 

Considered  incombustible,  when,  596. 

Construction  of,  595. 

Construction  of,  on  fireproof  buildings,  639. 

Cornices,  591. 

Drainage  of,    (Section  1417,  Code  of  1911). 

Eaves,  591. 

Fireproof  buildings,  rise  of  roof  above  limit  of  height,  644. 

Gravel,  when  allowed,  596. 

Gutters,  591. 

Inclosures  upon,  594. 

Incombustible    composition    permitted,    if    approved    by    commissioner    of 
buildings,  596. 

Parapets  and  balustrades  upon,  598. 

Pipes  carrying  water  from,  591. 

Pitch  of,  595. 

Shingle,  when  allowed  to,  596. 

Signs  on,  710. 

Structures  permitted  above  height  of  main  roof,  598,  594. 

Tanks  on,  571. 

Use  for  spectatorial  purposes  forbidden,  361. 
Rooming  houses  having  sleeping  accommodations  for  20  or  more  persons.  Class 

lib,  240,  254,  259. 

Runways   for  transfer  of  live  stock,  construction,  height,   592a. 
Safety  devices  for  elevators,  testing  of,  687-689. 
Safety  devices  for  window  cleaning,  604. 
Sand  for  concrete,  quality  of,  557. 
Sanitary   requirements,    (see   "Health,    Plumbing,"    Code   of    1911). 


BUI1.IMM;    MKIMNANfKS.  227 

Buildings — 

Sash,  metal,  requirements  of,  572. 

Sawdust,    shavings    and    excelsior,    frontage  "consents   required    for    storage   of, 

when,  717. 

Scaffolds,  protection  during  building  operations,  606. 
Scenery  defined,  325,  327,  427. 
School*  buildings,  Class  VIII,  240,  492. 
Second  gallery  defined,  309,  383,  408. 

Second-hand  stores,  frontage  consents,  when  required,  712. 
Secretary  to  commissioner,  office  of,  created,  200;   duties  of,  224. 
Sewers  and  drains.     (Sections  780  to  795,  Code  of  1911.) 
Shaft  defined,  432. 
Sheds,  661,  662. 

Shingle  roofs  within  fire  limits  prohibited,  exception,  596. 
Shutters,  automatic  steel  rolling,  when  required,  572. 
Siamese  steamer  connections  required  in  grain  elevators,  malt  and  cold  storage 

houses,  when,  675. 

Siamese  steamer  connections  required;  when,  specifications,  677. 
Sidewalks,  elevated  for  delivery  of  material   during  building  operations,   608. 
Sidewalks,  excavated  material  and  rubbish  not  to  be  stored  on,  611. 
Sidewalks,  obstruction  of,  permit,  bond,  fees,  615. 
Sidewalks,    occupation    of,   by    parts    of   buildings,    prohibited,    (Section    2316, 

Code  of  1911). 

Sidewalks,  occupation  of,  during  building  operations;   limitations,  607. 
Sidewalks,  temporary  roof  over,  609. 

Sidewalks,  use  of  for  building  purposes,  when  terminated,  614. 
Sidewalks,  use  of  space  under.     (Sections  2299  to  2315,  Code  of  1911.) 
Sinks  in  tenements,  requirements,  471. 
Skating  rinks.  Class  IVb,  240,  280,  300,  306. 
Skating  rinks,  main  floor  levels,  306. 
Skeleton  construction,  569. 

Skeleton  construction,  reinforced  concrete  curtain  walls,  554. 
Skylights,  construction  of,  593,   594. 

Skylights,  construction  of,  Classes  III  and  VI,  272,  444. 
Skylights,  glass  in,  except  Classes  III  and  VI,  593. 
Skylights,  ventilation  area,  593. 
SLOW-BURNING  CONSTRUCTION: — 

General  provisions  relating  to,  646-648. 

Class  I,  244. 

Class  Ha,  258. 

Class  lib,  260. 

Class  He,  264. 

Class  III,  271. 

Class  IVa,  290.  , 

Class  VI,  450. 

Class  VII,  479. 

Class  VIII,  493. 

Definition  of,  646. 

Fire  escapes  on  buildings  of.  669,  670. 

Girders,  647. 

Height  of  buildings  of,  how  measured,  598. 

Partitions,  647. 

Posts,  647. 

Roofs  of  structures  placed  on  roofs  may  be  built  of,  594. 
Smoke-houses,  frontage  'consents,  when  required,  712. 
Smoke  pipes  passing  through  partitions,  586. 
Special  provisions,  conflict  with  general  provisions,  242. 
Spires,  construction  of,  592. 
Sprinkler  system   required   in   grain  elevators,   malt  and   cold   storage  houses, 

when,  675. 

Stables  less  than  500  square  feet  in  area,  Class  III,  240,  270. 
Stables  more  than  500  square  feet  in  area,  Class  I,  240,  243. 
Stables,  regulations  concerning.  616.    (See  ordinance  concerning,  page  192). 


228  CITY    OF    CHICAGO 

Buildings — 

Stage  firemen  in  theaters.     (See  ordinance,  page  100). 
Stair  hall  defined,  432.  - 
Stairs  and  fire  escapes,  obstruction  of,  679. 
STAIRS  AND  STAIRWAYS: — 

General  provision  relating  to,   666-668. 

Class  I,  required  between  ceiling  and  roof,  when,  248. 

Class  I,  number,  location,  width  and  construction  of,  666-668. 

Class  II,  number,  location,  width  and  construction  of,  666-668. 

Class  III,  number,  location,  width  and  construction  of,  279.  666-668. 

Class  IVa,  width  of,  292. 

Class  IVb,  number  and  width  of,  308. 

Class  IVc,  exterior,  width  and  construction  of,  334. 

Class  V,  buildings  now  in  existence,  construction  of,  379. 

Class  V,  buildings  hereafter  erected,  construction  of,  405. 

Class  VI,  entrance  to;  treads  and  risers,  465. 

Class  VI,  in  fireproof  buildings  containing  over  one  hundred  rooms,  464. 

Class  VI,  in  non-fireproof  buildings  containing  over  eighty  rooms,  463. 

Class  VI,  in  new  buildings  more  tnan  three  stories  high  to  be  constructed 
of  incombustible  material,  454. 

Class  VI.  to  be  free  from  obstructions,  467. 

Class  VI,  width  and  construction  of,  462. 

Class  VII,  number,  location,  width  and  construction  of,  666-668. 

Class  VII,  lighting  of,  486. 

Class  VII,  stairs  from  locker  or  dressing  rooms  located  in  basement,  480. 

Class  VIII,  when  required  to  be  of  fireproof  construction,  498. 

Class  VIII,  width  and  construction  of,  497. 

In  buildings  in  general  use  to  be  inspected,  201. 
Stairs  and  Stairways: — 

In  buildings  of  fireproof  construction,  643. 

In  buildings  of  mill  construction,  651. 

In  buildings  of  slow-burning  construction,  648. 

Location  and  construction  not  to  be  changed  without  permission,  679. 
Stamped  plans,  alterations  in,  232. 
Standpipes    (see  ''Fire  Escapes  and  Standpipes") . 
Steel,  bending  and  elongation  of,  in  reinforced  concrete,  555. 
Steel  columns,  filled  with  concrete,  allowance  of  load,  553. 
Steel  stresses  and  strains,  541. 
Stone  masonry,  allowable  stresses,  532. 
Storage  of  building  materials  on   streets,   limitations.   610. 
Storage  of  oils,  691-694%.      (See  also  "Oils".) 
Storage  or  manufacture  of  merchandise,  Class  I,  240,  243. 
Storage  of  sawdust,  shavings,  etc.,  717. 
Store  building;  removal  of  into  residence  block,  frontage  consents  required  for, 

714. 
Store  fronts  in  one-story  buildings,  columns  and  lintels  may  be  of  combustible 

materials,  597. 

Store  fronts,  to  be  made  of  incombustible  material,  when,  597. 
Stores,  plats  to  be  filed  showing  use  to  which  other  property  in  same  block  is 

devoted,  717%. 

Stores,  frontage  consents  for  location  of,  when  required,  712 y,,  7171!-. 
Story  defined,  432. 

Streets,  excavated  material  and  rubbish  not  to  be  stored  on.  (HI. 
Streets,  obstructions  of,  permit,  fees  of,  615. 
Streets,  occupation  of  during  builling  operations,  607. 
Streets,  red  lantern  to  be  maintained  at  night  on  material  piled  in.  014. 
Streets,  use  of  for  building  operations,  when  terminated.  014. 
Strength  tests,  how  made,  517. 
Stresses,  table  of,  533,  539,  541,  544. 
Structural   details  and   workmanship,  subject  to   approval  of  commissioner   of 

buildings,  517. 

Structures,  other  than  those  specifically  provided  for.  construction  of,  limita- 
tions, 5921/0. 


Ill   II.I)I.\(i    ()lt!)I.\A.\(  KS.  -2'JJ) 

Buildings— 

Sub-basements,  construction  of,  600. 

Sub-sidewalk  space  (Sections  2299  to  2315,  Code  of  1911). 

Swing  doors,  when  required,  572. 

Tanks  for  storage  of  gasoline,  etc.;  frontage  consents  required,  \vlu-n:   <>'»'{.  til)4. 

Tanks  for  compression  and  storage  of  acetylene  gas    (Sections  1055  to  1057 

Code  of  1911.) 

Tanks  on  roofs,  may  be  built  above  height  of  main  roof,  598. 
Tanks  on  roofs;  permits,  fees,  571. 

Tannery,  frontage  consents  for  location  of,  when  required,  712. 
Tannery  not  to  be  placed  within  600  feet  of  church  or  school,  617. 
Tar  and  compounds  thereof,  storage  of,  691,  692. 

Temporary  elevated  sidewalks  for  delivery  of  building  materials,  608. 
Temporary  floors  during  building  operations.  (>()(>. 
Temporary  roofs  over  sidewalks  during  building  operations,  609. 
Temporary  seating  structures,  permit  for,  360. 
Temporary  sidewalks  during  building  operations,  610. 
Tenement  houses,   Class  VI,  240.  430. 
Tenement  houses  damaged  more  than  one-half  original  value  not  to  be  repaired, 

exception,  472%. 

Tenement  houses,  definition  of  terms  used  in  ordinance,  432. 
Tenement  houses,  lights  in  halls  of    (Section   1422,  Code  of   1911). 
Tenement  house,  when  removed,  how  reconstructed,  515. 
Tenements  and  lodging  houses,   (see  "Tenements  and  lodging  houses,"  Code  of 

1911). 

Theaters:  fire  escapes  and  standpipes  in  existing,  394. 
Theaters,    moving    picture,    public    portion    must    be    lighted    by    electric    light 

during  exhibitions  and  until  entire  audience  has  left  the  building.      (See 

ordinance,  page  194.) 
Theaters,    operation   prohibited    and   theaters    declared    nuisances    if    conducted 

above   first    floor   levels   in    certain    classes   of   buildings.      (See   ordinance, 

page  194.) 

Theaters  must  comply  with  all  ordinances,  282. 

Theaters;  not  to  be  maintained  in  frame  buildings;  exception;  285,  332,  400. 
Theaters;  special  stage  firemen  and  fire  guards   (See  ordinance,  page  190). 
Theaters  with  seating  capacity  of  300  or  less,  Class  IVc,  240,  280,  3CO. 
Theaters  with  seating  capacity  of  300  or  more,  Class  V,  240,  369. 
Timber,  quality  of,  540. 

Towers,  domes  and  spires,  construction  of,  592. 
Undertaking  rooms  (Section  1239,  Code  of  1911.) 
Unit  stresses  for  steel  and  concrete,  347. 

Unlawful  to  use  until  changes  required  by  commissioner  have  been  made,  201. 
Unsafe  buildings,  cost  of  tearing  down,  204. 
Unsafe  buildings,  declared  to  be  a  nuisance,  719. 
Unsanitary  buildings  declared  to  be  nuisances,  719,  477y2    (and  Section   1408, 

Code  of  1911). 

Unsanitary  buildings  not  to  be  used   (Section  1407,  Code  of  1911). 
Unsanitary  buildings  to  be  examined  by  board  of  survey   (Section  1409,  Code 

of  1911). 

Use  of  sidewalks  and  streets  during  building  operations.  <>(>7. 
Vacation  of,  when  unfit  for  human  habitation  (Section  1410,  Code  of  1911). 
Vaudeville  shows  prohibited  in  frame  buildings;  exception;  285,  332,  400. 
Vaudeville  shows  with  seating  capacity  of  300  or  less,  Class  IVc,  240,  280,  330. 
Veneer  of  brick,  around  frame  buildings,  654. 
Vent  shaft,  construction  of,  603. 
Vent  shaft  defined,  432. 
Ventilation:— 

Class  II,  256. 

Class  III,  274,  276. 

Class  IV.  V.  VTI   and   VI II.   <>SO. 

Class  VI,  (Sections  1378-1380,  Code  of  1911). 

Ducts  formed  by  walls,  585. 

Openings  for,  in  skylights,  593. 


230  CITY    OF    CHICAGO. 

Buildings — 

Ventilation:  — 

Verandas,  construction  of,  570. 

Viaducts  for  transfer  of  live  stock,  construction,  height    592a. 
Walls:— 

Altered  buildings;   increasing  thickness  of,  521. 

Bay  windows,  light  courts,  and  vent  shafts,  except  Class  III,  walls  of,  603. 

Bracing  of,  during  building  opeartions,  523. 

Construction,  width  and  height  of,  519. 

Dead  and  live  loads  on,  518. 

Dividing  walls  in  buildings  of  Classes  I,  IVb,  and  VI,  250,  302,  303,  455. 

Dividing  walls  in  frame  buildings,  660. 

Elevator  shafts,  walls  around  in  non-fireproof  buildings,  682. 

Erection  of,  in  buildings  of  masonry  construction,  523. 

Fire  walls,  524,  660,  249,  303. 

Inclosing  in  buildings  of  skeleton  construction,  623. 

Iron  or  steel  plates  for  support  of,  636. 

Ledges,  520. 

Parapet,  524. 

Party,  522. 

Proscenium,  316,  341,  389,  412. 

Skeleton  steel  walls  in  Class  I  buildings,  245. 

Smoke  flues  formed  by,  584. 

Support  of,  in  buildings  of  skeleton  construction,  635. 

Ventilating  ducts  formed  by,  585. 

Thickness  of,  519. 

Watch  service  in  grain  elevators,  malt  and  cold  storage  houses,  676. 
Water  from  roofs  to  be  carried  in  metal  pipes,  591. 
Water  used  in  building  operations,  233. 
Wind  resistance,  516. 
Wind  stress,  live  and  dead  loads,  542. 

Window  and  door  sills  to  be  made  of  incombustible  material,  exception,  597. 
Windows;   cleaning  of,  safety  devices,  604. 
Windows  in  Classes  I,  II,  IV,  V,  VII  and  VIII,  when  wired  glass  required, 

construction  of,  572. 

Windows  in  courts,  construction  of,  602,  603. 
Windows,  safety  devices  for  cleaning  of,  604. 
Wired  glass  for  doors  and  windows,  572. 
Wood  lathing,  requirements,  605. 
Wreckers  of,  to  file  bond  of  indemnity,  235. 
Wrecking  of,  permit  required,  235. 
Wrought  iron,  stresses  and  strains,  541. 
Yard  defined,  432. 


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